Members of a Higaonon-Maranao tribe in sitio Kibulag, Lantud, Talakag, Bukidnon attend a training on mushroom production and tilapia culture as part of the OneDA’s approach initiative in support of EO 70.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Around 50 members of the Igpanutadug sa Abaga Ta Bayug Agriculture Cooperative, a Higaonon-Maranao tribe of sitio Kibulag, Lantud, Talakag, Bukidnon were trained on Mushroom Production and Tilapia Culture in Pond on Thursday, February 3.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the training is part of the commitment of the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao to the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in fight against local insurgency.

Through DA-10’s Research Division, the mushroom training was extended to provide opportunities at the farm and local community level to increase the income of the members, especially the women.

They were taught on how to prepare mushroom fruiting bags using sawdust, aside from the lecture on basic knowledge in mushroom production.

Importantly, it can help in providing livelihood with a fast-yielding and nutritious source of food and a reliable source of income.

Director Collado, added that the interventions are in response to the needs of the IP community based on the validation and assessment conducted by OneDA in providing assistance to boost their livelihood and improve their productivity.

Developing the OneDA approach, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (DA-BFAR-10) capacitated the members on tilapia culture in the pond, covering from pond preparation, management, harvesting and marketing.

DA-BFAR 10 Provincial Fishery Officer of Bukidnon, Marlou Fernandez shared, the project is livelihood support to the IPs, where DA-BFAR 10 will provide tilapia fingerlings to the group.

Initially, the stocking of tilapia fingerlings is set for February 18, 2022, in a 300 square meter pond.

Tribal Leader Sultan Abdul Amoran expressed his gratitude to the government for all the assistance provided to their community especially with the implementation of EO 70.

The intervention was funded under the agency’s Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks).

As explained by 4Ks focal person, April Grace M. Racines, the 4Ks is a comprehensive program targeted for the improvement of tribal communities aiming to capacitate and empower IPs through community organizing, agricultural skills training, and workshops to intensify knowledge and productivity.

The 4Ks is a three-year special project of DA where it provides assistance to the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the form of agricultural and fisheries-related livelihood opportunities.

The activity was supported by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region 10 (NICA 10) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through TESDA Technical Specialist, Wilma Tomada Bathan.# (ATC)

A Korean company convenes with DA-DTI-BOI to further discuss the different FCAs in Bukidnon and MisOr’s engagement to supply fresh cassava tubers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Representatives from a Korean company eyeing to put up a tapioca starch manufacturing plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, convened with the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao and Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Investments on February 2, 2022, to settle its engagement with the different farmer groups, who have committed to supply fresh cassava tubers.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado bared, to date, verified commitments from farmers cooperatives, associations (FCAs) from Bukidnon province and the eastern part of Misamis Oriental, have totaled to about 2,493 hectares.

Among salient concerns tackled include revisiting the pricing mechanics, the volume of deliveries committed, delivery period, quality parameters, price monitoring, tapping of more suppliers, and FCAs’ development through assistance from the national and local government agencies. # (JLO)

DA-10 RED Collado administers the oathtaking of 15 newly promoted and appointed personnel of the agency for the year 2022.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Fifteen newly promoted and appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) took their oath of office on February 2, 2022 at the agency compound, this city.

Administering the oathtaking ceremony is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, with the following personnel:

Promoted

1. Ablanque, Junel – Engineer IV, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED)
2. Pasilan, Ronald – Senior Science Research Specialist, Research Division
3. Lacanaria, Richan – Senior Agriculturist, Field Operations Division (FOD)
4. Oberes, Renante – Science Research Specialist I, Research Division
5. Cagas, Maria Teresa – Warehouseman I, Research Division
6. Galicia, Ana Marie – Agriculturist II, FOD
7. Calacar, Sherafin – Agriculturist I, Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD)
8. Desoyo, Xyra Jane – Administrative Assistant II, Administrative and Finance Division (AFD)

Newly appointed

1. Chatto, Van Angelo – Veterinarian II, ILD
2. Arazo, John Paul – Engineer I, RAED
3. Yañez, Maria Laarni – Engineer I, RAED
4. Co, Jess Erick – Accountant I, AFD
5. Apare, Richard – Agriculturist I, FOD
6. Suarez, Marnie – Agricultural Technician, FOD
7. Carreon, Dafni – Administrative Assistant I, Research Division

To date, there are 21 newly promoted and appointed employees for the year 2022, bringing the total to 214 employees appointed, promoted and re-employed since 2017 when RED Collado assumed office in the region.

Also witnessing the oathtaking rite are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and the Placement and Selection Board Chair Carlota S. Madriaga, and concerned division chiefs. # (JCAnito)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA – RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado continues to intensify its effort to promote food production and security amidst the COVID-19 pandemic through the Urban Agriculture Program.

DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan and Senior Agriculturist Wilson V. Lagdamin, handed over 20 packets of assorted vegetable seeds to CPT Jonell R Vecino (MI), PA of the 1005th Community Defense Center Reserve Command Philippine Army (PA).

With the provisions, CPT Vecino lauded the agency in advocating food security amidst the global pandemic and allowing them to be one with the government’s implementation thru DA of its Plant, Plant, Plant Program dubbed as the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra COVID-19 (ALPAS COVID-19) program.

“Ito po ay itatanim po namin at ng aming army reservists sa loob ng kampo bilang parte na rin ng aming programa para sa komunidad na aming nasasakupan. Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ibinigay ng DA,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nylvyn T. Tagunao of the Don Victoriano Chiongbian Municipal Agriculture Office received 20 packets of assorted vegetable seeds and 5 boxes of liquid fertilizer.

Tagunao remarked, that the farmers in their locality are grateful for the continued efforts of the department in extending service or assistance to them despite the pandemic.

Eyed for the establishment of veggie production in the different urban communities, the 36 gram-, 5-in-1 pinakbet packet, in particular, consisting of eggplant, okra, ampalaya, pole sitao, and squash can be planted in a 1,000-square meter area.

Since 2020, the agency has launched its revitalized urban agriculture and gulayan project under the ALPAS COVID-10 program to escalate the country’s food adequacy levels amidst the ongoing novel coronavirus health crisis. # (JCAnito)

On January 26, RAFC X conducts a consultative meeting to discuss the ongoing issues affecting the agricultural sector.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To boost the development of the agri-fishery sector in Region 10, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council-X (RAFC X) conducts its first consultative meeting for Northern Mindanao on Wednesday, January 26 to discuss issues affecting the sector.

Region 10 RAFC Chair Reynaldo M. Cabanao said, the meeting is a continuing discussion of development problems, issues, and concerns besetting the agri-fishery sector with the ultimate aim of finding solutions, giving policy, program recommendations, and facilitating feedback and information flow within the sector.

He presented the agenda of the meeting which include the CY 2022 AFCs region-wide set of officers, RAFC 10 CY 2022 nomination, updates on local concerns, fund updates, chairperson’s report, and CY 2022 work and financial plan.

Six resolutions were approved by the council comprising the request of subsidies of fertilizers for coffee farmers and machinery to ensure its increased production; concrete plan for African Swine Fever (ASF) pertaining to its recovery program in the affected areas of the region.

Further resolutions include the request of the involvement of Agricultural Fishery Councils (AFC) in the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC); Amendment of Omnibus Guidelines on the Engagement of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (OGAFCE), among others.

Said resolutions will be submitted to the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, which will then be endorsed to the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) for the approval of concerned agencies.

Participating in the blended meeting were the chairperson, representatives of the AFCs and DA attached agencies, and other concerned NGAs regionwide.#(MPTablon)

To augment the productivity and income of adlai farmers under MAAMA, DA provides production and marketing support thru its Enhanced Kadiwa financial grant.

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – Adlai farmers are eyed to benefit from the Department of Agriculture (DA), as it handed over a certificate of award for the P2 million worth Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita financial grant assistance to the local government unit of Impasugong, Bukidnon on January 28, 2022.

Said grant will aid the smallholder adlai farmers tilling an area of 0.5 hectares and below, covering about over 50 hectares of adlai production committed by the clustered farmers’ organizations (FOs) from the town’s 13 different barangays.

Of the total amount downloaded to LGU Impasugong, P900K was procured for the 12 units adlai milling machine, PSF-450 foot impulse sealer, foot-stamping plastic sealer, digital weighing scale, weighing scale, and packaging materials.

Meanwhile, the P1-M will be used as working capital, to include buying the adlai grits produced by the farmers, and P100K is intended for the conduct of training to equip farmers on the best practices of adlai production and value-adding.

At the height of the pandemic in 2020, DA Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs, Kristine Y. Evangelista said, that the department sought additional funding thru its Enhanced Kadiwa, to assist farmers in increasing their income while helping the country in its bid towards food security and sufficiency.

Witnessing the committed agri interventions, the DA official extended her gratitude, as this will be helpful particularly for the 12 chapters/organization under the 2,649-membered Movement and Alliance that Advocate Men in Action (MAAMA), a federation of adlai farmers, who are also members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

They are MAAMA Bontongan, Bulonay, Capitan Bayong, Cawayan, Dumalaguing, Guihean, Hagpa, Impalutao, Kibenton, La Fortuna and Sayawan chapters, and the Kalabugao MAAMA organization.

With the machinery at hand, Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy said, that the farmers can maintain the quality of their adlai grits which will be directly bought by the local government through its Municipal Enterprise Development Unit at P100 per kilogram, who in turn, will help sell them to the consumers.

“Sometimes it is difficult for our farmers to sell their adlai grits due to its low-grade quality, but now with the milling machine they can produce better grits,” the local chief executive remarked.

For his part, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado lauded the efforts of LGU Impasugong and the farmers in availing of the said grant.

More assistance is underway, as USec. Evangelista committed the provision of 2 units hauling vehicle and 1 unit 90-horsepower capacity tractor by DA-10 thru RED Collado.

Meanwhile, MAAMA Impasugong federation president Sunny S. Echavia is thankful for the government’s interventions.

“The milling machine is a realization of our long-time dream of producing quality adlai. We will do our best to produce higher yields to meet the demand in the market,” he said.

Also gracing the ceremony is the Commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, Lt. Col Anthony A. Bacus with the local officials and DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance division and provincial operations center in Bukidnon.# (MGBS/EMB)

Agri Normin thru its 4Ks program conducts a CNA in select sitios of San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon to identify agri interventions for said areas.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) Program, conducted a three-day Community Needs Assessment (CNA) in select sitios in San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon on January 19-21, 2022.

In collaboration with the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion, Philippine Army and the local government of Malitbog, the assessment aims to identify agri interventions for the indigenous people living in sitios Tagmaray, Logdeck, Victory, and Uyunan.

DA-10 4Ks Focal Person April Grace M. Racines said that the data will be the basis for the agency’s interventions to be implemented in the validated sites.

The DA- Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Region 10 also joined the assessment since the identified areas are known producers of abaca fiber.

DA’s efforts are also in support of Executive Order No. 70 (EO), instituting the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that the 4Ks is a three-year special project of DA where it aids the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) and Indigenous Peoples (IP) in the form of agricultural and fisheries-related livelihood opportunities. # (CRSeraspe)

DA-PAA 10 collab promotes urban agri using hydroponics prod’n technology.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao in partnership with the Philippine Association of Agriculturist Region 10 (PAA), Pineapple Chapter conducted training on Hydroponics Production Technology for Urban Agriculture on January 21, 2022.

Fifty participants composed of farmers, LGU agri technicians were trained from the cities of Cagayan de Oro and El Salvador which aims to augment food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and CdeO Mayor Oscar Moreno signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the Urban Agriculture Project, where one of its sub-projects is the hydroponics nursery (construction of greenhouse with micro-sprinkler irrigation system).

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and PAA Region 10 Chapter President Carlota S. Madriaga shared, the training is a component of the P3 million urban agriculture project funded under the Agriculture Stimulus Package Bayanihan II of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

Dr. Primitivo Santos, a professor of the University of the Philippines Lost Baños, Laguna discussed the principles of hydroponics system, while the economics of using hydroponics was shared by Mr. Arturo Barria.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jessica Rey explained the concept, overview of hydroponics system and its advantages.

She also demonstrated the set up SNAP hydroponics using styro boxes where the participants had a hands-on training.

Urban hydroponics is growing plants in soilless cultivation in various substrates in a nutrient solution that allows faster growth and higher yields.

The participants were provided with starter kits to start their own hydroponics project.

The training is in collaboration with the PAA National Chapter represented by Dr. Rey, Dr. Santos and Mr. Barria and DA-ATI NorMin.#(ATC)

The P18-M SWIP in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon is also a source of additional food and income among farmers as they can diversify their farming activities.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture – 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the ceremonial turnover of a Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) or Rainwater Harvesting Structure (RWS) in Sitio Lunokan, Miglamin, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on January 20, 2022.

The P18 million worth project funded by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) Region 10 under its Locally Funded Project – Rainwater Harvesting Structure (LFP-RWS) and implemented by DA-10 will benefit around 87 rice farmers who are members of the Lunokan Farmers Small Water Irrigation System Association (LUFASWISA).

Director Collado said, the provision of the said project will irrigate the existing 65 hectares rice area, and 55 hectares of the potential service area for other rainfed crop production such as sugarcane and corn, among others.

He added, with a total of 120 hectares, the cropping intensity will be enhanced to twice or thrice a year, including its crop yield which can increase farmers’ income.

Guided by the OneDA approach, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10 (DA-BFAR 10) also stocked the area with 25K pieces of tilapia (23K) and carp (2K) fingerlings to provide an additional source of food to the community.

With the existing SWIP, a farmer can establish a 500-square meter fishpond for every hectare of the rice field as additional food and income by diversifying farm activities and increasing yields of both rice and fish crops.

BFAR-10 Provincial Fisheries Officer for Bukidnon, Marlou Fernandez shared that tilapia culture using cage system is also possible in the area as a good source of livelihood.

Supporting the activity were DA-BSWM National Soil & Water Resources Research & Development Center for Highland Pedo-Ecological Zone Center Chief Henry A. Apolinares; Malaybalay City ABE Head Engr. Joel delos Reyes with DA-RFO 10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Chief Engr. Deliza T. Camaro and DA-BFAR-10 Bukidnon PFO Fernandez who represented Regional Director Teodoro A. Bacolod, Jr.# (EMBentulan)

Agri NorMin turns over P117.9-M worth of interventions under RDP-MIC to Claveria town.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 turned over P117.9 million worth of interventions under the Rural Development Project for the Multi-Industry Cluster (RDP-MIC) Zone in the Philippines on January 18, 2022, in this town.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the certificate of turnover to Mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar and Vice Mayor Reynante L. Salvaleon of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, in the presence of Dong IL Engineering Consultants Co. Project Manager Sea Chul Son.

In his message, Dir. Collado said that they look forward to enhancing the quality of life and increasing agricultural productivity in rural areas.

“We are hoping that the communities will utilize and benefit from the gains of this partnership and that it may be sustained in our aim towards a food secure and resilient nation,” he shared.

On the other hand, Project Manager Son thanked its partner-agencies for their unwavering support and that the project was pushed through amidst encountering challenges.

The collaboration between the Philippine and Korean governments through the RDP-MIC is geared towards increasing farmers’ income, reducing post-harvest losses, ensuring stable supply and price of cassava, vegetables, and other crops, reducing transport time and cost of farm inputs and produce, and decreasing the incidence of water-borne diseases.

Of which, interventions include the construction of the greenhouse, warehouse, multi-purpose covered court, small bridge, farm-to-market road, and water system as well as the provision of solar and cassava mechanical dryers for barangays Aposkahoy, Hinaplanan, and Gumaod.

On receiving the project, Mayor Abrogar shared her gratitude to Claveria for being chosen for the project and said that such interventions will greatly benefit their farmers. # (AMBManto)