DA-10 installs RAFC NorMin chair as Farmer Regional Executive Director

EL SALVADOR CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) welcomed Nilda B. Salas as its Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) in a turnover ceremony held on May 5, here.

As the incumbent chairperson of Northern Mindanao’s Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), Salas is installed as DA-10’s FRED for the entire month of May in celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month.

Her installation aligns with the Farmer-Director Program of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), an initiative requiring the DA Regional Field Offices to designate the RAFC chairperson as temporary head of office annually in May, since 2017.

During her post, Salas will represent farmers and fishers in policy discussions, assist in the implementation of DA programs, and foster inter-agency and intersectoral collaboration.

“I will prioritize strengthening the participation of local AFCs – the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC), City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CAFC), Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) in decision-making and their recognition by the LGUs,” Salas said in an interview sharing her priority agenda.

“I urge the private sector to engage with the government initiatives with commitment, dedication, and a strong spirit of volunteerism to contribute to our progress,” she emphasized.

The FRED program promotes participatory governance by providing farmer-leaders with firsthand insight into government operations. The FREDs can make recommendations on policy and non-policy-related matters, while the authority to sign policy-related documents remains with the DA’s Regional Executive Director (RED).

The RAFCs serve as advisory and consultative bodies within the DA, representing the private sector in agriculture and fisheries-related concerns at the regional level.

DA-10 RED Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan presided over the ceremony. Also present were DA-10 Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, and other DA-10 and RAFC officials. # (BJCE)

DA-SAAD NorMin bolsters DA-LGU-FCAs agri dev’t plans interfacing

As a scaling-up mechanism to expand the agricultural livelihood projects granted to smallholding farmers’ associations, cooperatives (FCAs), the Department of Agriculture Special Area for Agricultural Development Program – Northern Mindanao (DA-SAAD NorMin) upholds the streamlining of the DA-LGU-FCAs agricultural development plans.

In the recently concluded DA-SAAD NorMin’s midterm project assessment, the 27 SAAD-assisted FCAs from the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte and Camiguin were convened to craft a three-year development plan in alignment with the priority agricultural programs of SAAD and the LGUs.

The plan detailed the agricultural interventions needed by the FCAs to step up their farm production, product processing, and marketing activities geared toward establishing an agricultural enterprise prior to SAAD Program phase 2 culmination in 2028.

The midterm assessment provided the FCAs an opportunity to evaluate the status of their livelihood projects and formulate actionable measures to address the current and impending challenges affecting their project’s growth.

In his message, DA-Region 10 Regional Executive Director and DA-SAAD NorMin Focal Person, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan underscored the need for harmonized agricultural development plans from the farmers level up to the local and national governments to rally unilateral and sustainable agricultural programs.

“We need to make sure that our interventions in the next three years will boil down to increasing income. This is an indicator for reduction of poverty. We have to focus on productive projects. We have gone three years for these communities to experience how to do business as a start-up. Now, it’s the time for scaling up,” he stressed.

Now on its third-year phase 2 implementation, the DA-SAAD NorMin has assisted more than 600 marginal farmers in 26 low-income, isolated and conflict communities across the region.

Through their association or cooperative, these farmers were provided crops, livestock or crops-livestock integrated livelihood projects by the DA-SAAD NorMin to augment their means of living.

The SAAD program aims to capacitate the local farmers to go beyond sustenance farming by embracing agricultural entrepreneurship, transforming the farmers to be agripreneurs.# (ATT/Photo Credits: JAS)

Agri-10 NUPAP supports sustainable agriculture initiative for schools and local communities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In an effort to promote sustainable agriculture and empower local communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), participated in an initiative focused on hydroponics farming and urban gardening held on April 24 to 25, here.

Serving as the resource person, NUPAP alternate focal person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo led a seminar-workshop on basic food safety, hazard analysis and critical control points, and the Gulayan sa Paaralan Project for SY 2024-2025. The event emphasized hydroponics as a sustainable alternative to conventional farming, highlighting its potential to minimize environmental impact, aid climate resilience (CEA), enhance food security, and improve food safety.

It was conducted in partnership with the Department of Education, which continues to promote the importance of school gardening in fostering environmental awareness and education. The initiative also encouraged the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches among school district supervisors, Gulayan sa Paaralan coordinators, and school nurses, strengthening partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders to support gardening activities.

Also supported by the DA-10 was the urban gardening orientation spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office. It provided an opportunity for solo parents in learning how to grow their own food in limited urban spaces.

The program given practical techniques and resources toward creating affordable and sustainable gardens, even in confined areas such as balconies, rooftops, or community gardens, to enable solo parents to boost their income, access to fresh and healthy food, contribute to solid waste management, and combat different diseases.

Both of the partner agencies’ initiatives are aligned with the DA-10’s growing movement toward sustainable, local food production and community empowerment in Northern Mindanao, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings.# (MAC)

DA-10 laboratories undergo first surveillance audit for ISO/IEC 1705:2017

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure sustained adherence to international quality standards, the Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) of the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) has undergone its first surveillance audit as part of its commitment to maintain ISO-compliant status for testing services, on April 28 to 30 at the agency’s compound, here.

The three-day audit was spearheaded by Emmanuel J. Hernandez, together with Maria Solidad L. Distor and Laarni P. Joya of the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB). During the visit, the PAB evaluated the DA 10’s Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) and the Feed Chemical Analytical Laboratory (FCAL) operations to ascertain their compliance with quality standards for chemical testing and accuracy and reliability of analytical processes.

The audit reflects the DA-10’s commitment to provide trusted and reliable testing services to support agricultural sustainability and food safety.

The ILD is scheduled for its second surveillance audit after 20 months, in keeping with the goal to continuously improve its laboratory systems and processes to meet evolving laboratory standards and to better serve the agricultural communities in Northern Mindanao. # (MAC/Photo credits: NQA)

Aggie 10 hosts regional training on RSBSA profiling platform for LGUs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) hosted a training on the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture Profiling Platform for LGUs (RSBSAPP-LGU) on April 29-30, here.

The training provided Northern Mindanao LGUs a comprehensive overview of the RSBSAPP-LGU system, focusing on its operational mechanisms, data processing flow and data privacy protocols, which include a live demonstration to give participants an in-depth understanding of the platform.

The platform is an electronic database specifically developed to streamline and enhance the timely encoding and validation of large volumes of data collected from farmers, farmworkers, fisherfolk, and agri-youth. It serves as a vital tool for LGUs in efficiently managing and organizing agri-fishery information.

According to Kristelle Lorizz P. Cariño, team leader of the RSBSA – National Program Management Office (RSBSA-NPMO), the said profiling platform capacitated the LGUs in encoding data of farmers who are not yet registered to the RSBSA.

By enabling systematic data input and real-time updates, the platform ensures that each municipality maintains an accurate and up-to-date database.

To uphold confidentiality of stakeholders’ information, Kristina S. Andal, legal compliance officer of RSBSA-NPMO, apprised the participants on data privacy policies.

This initiative aimed to equip LGU personnel with a comprehensive technical guidance on the system’s practical applications through hands-on experience to enhance their technical competence and develop a clearer understanding how to effectively utilize the RSBSAPP-LGU system.

The RSBSA is a primary targeting mechanism for identifying farmers and fisherfolk who are eligible for various government programs, services, and interventions. Apart from supporting data-driven planning and resource allocation, it also strengthens transparency and accountability in delivering government programs and services to rural communities. # (NQA)

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)