Agri-10 targets 210 hectares of hybrid upland rice demo farm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to further boost Northern Mindanao’s local rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado is eyeing the establishment of 210 hectares of upland hybrid rice production technology demonstration farm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In a coordination meeting held Tuesday, January 9, DA-10 laid down preliminary action plans together with the Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture’s Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture’s Office, Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Philippine Army, and the partner seed company, SeedWorks Philippines, to set the project in motion.

According to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, this project is consistent with DA’s sustained effort to attain food security in the region.

She said that with the project, DA’s ultimate goal is to boost upland rice production in Bukidnon, as the pilot province.

Farmers will be introduced with hybrid upland rice production technology to help them increase their yield, particularly since conventional upland rice farming is pegged to yield only two tons per hectare or lower, the director added.

The demonstration farm will be established in three locations in Malaybalay City – barangay Uno, Sumpong and Can-ayan, within the ancestral domain under the care of BUKTAMACO.

Before full-blown implementation, the project will undergo a trial phase by cultivating two-hectare flat and one-hectare sloppy upland production areas in said localities.

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project will be implemented using two-pronged strategies – introduction of the hybrid upland rice production technology and preparation of the local farmers for increased production.

He emphasized the project is a breakthrough agricultural undertaking that can exponentially contribute to the region’s food supply on a phase-by-phase implementation, first by utilizing a pre-existing natural farming environment, and later on, introducing agricultural infrastructure for expanded capacity.

For the first phase of implementation, DA-10 will be providing the required hybrid upland rice seeds, fertilizers as well as mechanized land preparation.

As their counterpart, the DA’s partners will shoulder the labor and maintenance, farm chemicals, technical and administrative assistance, and military support.

The trial demonstration farm will be planted by the end of this month. The project will be in full swing come 2024 wet planting season.# (ATT)

F2C2 of DA-10 holds an assessment and planning workshop to further said strategy and help farmers and fishers better. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted an assessment and planning workshop for said strategy on January 11-12, in Dalwangan here.

In her message, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD said that the activity is important for the implementation of F2C2 this year.

“For us to move forward effectively, we need to look back and identify the issues and concerns that we encountered last year that contributed to the attainment of our targets in each commodity or sector, and find possible solutions to address any gaps.”

She added the need to identify the successful interventions and make them a baseline to improve and serve the farmers and fishers better.

In an update presented by F2C2 Focal Person Gay Nanette M. Aleria, a total of 151 farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations were identified and validated with 37,8710 farmers and fisherfolk clustered in the region.

Likewise, she highlighted the program’s stride for 2023, which included the conduct of the first-ever Regional F2C2 Summit and the launching of their coffee table book entitled “Bulig”, which underscored stories on the adoption of clustering and consolidation approach in the production, processing and marketing activities among small NorMin farmers and fishers, reaping benefits from economies of scale.

Further, Aleria discussed the proposed programs, projects, and activities for prioritization in 2024 such as the conduct of another regional F2C2 summit and more trainings to capacitate said clusters in their respective fields.

The activity is attended by the technical working group of F2C2, which includes the different banner programs and projects of DA-10 and the provincial operations centers of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental. # (CRS)

LGU Gingoog City receives agri-stimulus package from DA-10.

Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over P2.94 million (M) worth of Agriculture Stimulus Package Bayanihan II; Urban Agriculture Program to the Local Government Unit of Gingoog City (CLGU Gingoog) on December 12, in this city.

Handing over the certificate is DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, to Enrique S. Guevarra, DM, CLGU Gingoog administrator.

According to Pit, these agri-interventions aim to establish and promote different urban agriculture technologies through the distribution of agricultural inputs and tools, and the provision trainings to highly urbanized communities, ensuring the availability and affordability of diverse, quality and safe food at the same time maximizing the potential of food-based approaches for economic opportunities.

“By implementing innovative techniques, providing access to modern farming equipment, and offering training programs to farmers, these interventions contribute to a substantial increase in the city’s agricultural activities,” he conveyed.

Included in the package of interventions are the provision of 1 unit of Greenhouse with Micro sprinkler irrigation system amounting to P1-M, 4 units Mushroom Growing House (P400K), 2K Mushroom Fruiting Bag (P120K), 270 packs Polypropylene bag (P72.9K), 2 units Hand tractor/Multi-cultivator (P460K), 2 units All-Purpose Shredder (P390K), 60 bags Organic Fertilizer (P19.8K), 60kg Vegetable Seeds (P336.8K), 18 rolls A-net (P81.2K), 1 unit Bag Filling Machine (P52K), 12 units Light Hoe (P4.6K), 12 units Shovel (P4.3K), and 2 units Wheel Barrow worth P6.2K.

Meanwhile, Gingoog City agriculturist Miriam A. de La Plaza expressed her gratitude for the assistance from DA that would provide additional support to the Urban Agriculture Program of the city.

“These interventions encompass a wide range of activities that would improve agricultural practices, increase productivity, and enhance the overall efficiency of the agricultural value chain in our community,” she said.

Furthermore, Pit pins for the sustainability of the projects received at the same time encouraged CLGU Gingoog to help in determining additional agricultural-related assistance in their locality.

Pooled from its CY 2021 funds, said project under Bayanihan II is realized through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of DA-10.

Also witnessing the turnover ceremony are DA-10 Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, Agriculturist II of HVCDP, Engr. Francis James O. Manlantao of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division of CLGU Gingoog and other staff.# (RDME)

PITAC of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon receives P5-M in check from DA-10 through RED Collado.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed to provide more marketing opportunities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P5 million (M) check to the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center ( PITAC) Multipurpose Cooperative on January 4, at the agency compound, in this city.

Funded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance, it aims to provide logistic assistance to PITAC for their yellow corn trading and marketing for the procurement of a 10-wheeler wing van.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the turnover of check to PITAC MPC chair, Sonia R. Chanen-Debonville.

The coop also counterparts P1.25-M as their equity making the total cost of P6.25-M.

On receiving the assistance, she shared, “Currently, we are renting a vehicle to haul our corn produce in the different parts of Bukidnon. Thus, this assistance will greatly help our farmers in accelerating their harvest and reducing postharvest costs.”

It can be recalled that the coop is among the farmers’ cooperatives, associations who signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Kadiwa grant in 2023.# (AMB)

DA-10 sets aside P73.62-million for the implementation of fishery rehab project.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed in over P73.62-million check to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – X (BFAR-X) through Regional Director Edward B. Yasay in support of the agency’s rehabilitation project on December 29, in this city.

Due to shear line-induced flash floods and wind convergence last December 24-27, 2022, agri-officials from both agencies convened to sign a Memorandom of Agreement (MOA) for the rehabilitation project for the affected fishery sector, which was significantly damaged during said calamity.

To ensure the sustainable development and conservation of our agricultural and aquatic resources, Dir. Collado assured its support for said project, as it plays a key role in the post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery operations of stricken-coastal communities at the same time uplift the welfare of its fisherfolk.

The allotment is composed of the provision of 1,259 units of motorized-made fiber-reinforced plastic material with multiple handling fishing gear (labor and materials) amounting to P71.16-M, 58 units net gear (P670.65K), two units payao (P76.45K), and fingerlings such as Hito (10K pieces), Tilapia (89,060 pcs), and Milkfish (40K pcs) for a cost of P379.06K.

Also, the BFAR-X managed facility, the Malaubang Brackishwater Fish Farm in Ozamis City, which supplies fingerlings in Misamis Occidental and it neighboring provinces, has been set aside P1.33-M for rehabilitation.

According to BFAR-10 RD Yasay, the provision of motorized boats, fishing gears, and other fishing paraphernalia, including the supply of fingerlings will provide the needed intervention for the calamity-affected fisherfolk across the five provinces of Northern Mindanao.

“These are necessary not only in restoring the livelihood of fishers in Region 10, but also to ensure the continuous supply of fish and other fishery products in the region,” he conveyed.

Also witnessing the event are DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Administrative and Finance Division Accounting Section chief Claudia B. Artazo, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division officer-in-charge Lana Mae S. Racines, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas, Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban, and Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit Gay Nanette R. Aleria.

From BFAR-10, Fisheries Production and Support Services Division chief Marlou N. Fernandez, Accounting Unit chief Jyllenn May F. Bulaybulay, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit officer-in-charge Stephanie R. Cantorne, and other staff.# (RDME)

DA-10 thru RED Collado signs the MOA with CSEI for the conduct of techo demo for Soba in the agency’s research stations.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to open more science-based production technologies to augment farmers’ productivity and profitability, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carmen Rise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), an exporter of agricultural products to Japan, for the conduct of technology demonstrations for buckwheat (Soba) production in its research centers.

Held on December 21 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado signed the MOU with Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, CSEI manager, witnessed by Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, and the DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief, Angelita dela Cueva-Martir.

Said undertaking will help determine the adaptability and potential of growing buckwheat in the region by initially showcasing it through DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan and at NMACLRC, both in Bukidnon province.

“With CSEI interested to invest in Soba, DA through our Research Division looks forward to establish, collect data, document and monitor the on-site trials, as we will jointly explore the said crop in the region.” Dir. Collado said.

With the techno demos eyed in the agri department’s grounds, CSEI will provide buckwheat seed or planting materials and other agricultural inputs as well as technical assistance, who will work hand-in-hand with the agri research personnel.

“The showcase will run for two [wet and dry] seasons, and in this span, we will be presenting the outputs to our stakeholders for farmers’ information and utilization, and importantly, as CSEI intends to buy the produced seeds from farmer-adopters.” the agri exec chief added.

Also in attendance are the Korean delegates, members of the DA-10 and Regional Management committees, for the simultaneous turnover of the project entitled “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” from the Korean government to the Philippines through DA, which is housed in the latter’s research complex here.# (JLO)

DA’s Korean partners turn over the P100-million Smart greenhouse project to the agency’s research complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) is entrusted with the P100-million Korean-funded and -innovated Smart greenhouse project housed in its grounds on December 21, in Dalwangan here.

This after the Philippine government through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado signed a gratuitous transfer agreement, in the presence of Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS), and the Hankyong National University (HNU) of South Korea, signifying for the former agency to fulfill the use and management of the handed over objects of said project.

Since its launch in April 2022, said project or fully dubbed as the “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” has been serving as a research and training hub featuring the Smart Greenhouse technology for innovative production of quality high-valued crops such as strawberry, cherry tomato, white potato and pepper, and later on, expanding to watermelon and lettuce.

“I am confident that the successful handover of this project will greatly contribute to the Philippine DA’s efforts in enhancing future agricultural technological capabilities through smart agriculture.” Yong-Ho Jung, General Division director of the International Cooperation at MAFRA remarked during the turnover program ceremony.

He also put a premium to the smart agriculture project, especially so that the country focuses toward the modernization and digital transformation within the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, RED Collado extended his appreciation to the Korean partners for the provision of technical and financial support at the same time alluded the gains of the collaborative project. It is composed of the establishment of a smart farm, development of a local distribution system, dispatch of experts, and capacity building of technology adopters.

“The said innovative farming technique provides farmers with higher yield and better quality of farm produce while enabling consistent crop production year-round, thus addressing market requirements to attain food efficiency and sufficiency.” he said.

The agri chief exec added that the showcase and adoption of the latest technologies play a crucial role in feeding the next generation.

“Smart technology and precision farming upgrade our productivity levels benefiting farmers and food producers.” the DA-10 official stated.

Likewise, Dir. Collado continues to pin hopes in boosting the region and the Philippines’ food security, as said project has been gaining interest among the public, particularly on how farmers can replicate it in their localities.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to learn these incredible advancements in technology [smart greenhouse] that have easily transformed our farming in so many ways such as improving the quality, quantity, cost [of our harvest] and productivity.” Joel T. Rivera, Lantapan Vegetable Farmers and Marketing Cooperative marketing head conveyed.

His account on farming, trading and marketing was done before his fellow smart greenhouse technology trainees and/or adopters from the towns of Talakag, Sumilao, Lantapan and Impasug-ong, and the city of Malaybalay, all from Bukidnon province.

As the transfer of said project is eyed for continuing farmers’ training and/or research on smart farming in the coming years, EPIS Vice-President An Jaerok underscored saying: “Looking ahead, we expect that the training for farmers and the cultivation of high-valued crops will play a pivotal role in boosting productivity, as well as in elevating the comprehension and skills of farmers in the area of smart farming.”

Also supporting the event were Wonhee Lee, HNU president and eight other senior officials from MAFRA, EPIS and HNU; Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan; DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief, Angelita dela Cueva-Martir; Malaybalay City mayor Warren Jay R. Pabillaran; Acting Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, and other DA-10 and regional management (NFA, PhilFIDA, BPI-PQS, NIA, BAI-NVQS, NMIS and ATI) committee members and staff. # (JLO)

Agri-10 provides support to Magsaysay town’s Gulayan program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Director Carlene C. Collado turns over recently various agricultural inputs to the Department of Education 10 – District of Magsaysay I for its Gulayan sa Paaralan program.

Norman P. Sayson, public schools district supervisor, received 50 packets of 5-in-1 Sinigang vegetable seeds, 14 light hoes, 28 plastic seedling trays, 14 shovels, 14 sprinklers, 14 weeding bolos from DA-10 thru Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan.

Sayson shared that the interventions will be shared among 14 schools in their district.

“The Gulayan sa Paaralan program aims to educate learners on how to be sufficient in terms of food production.” he said.

Likewise, the school official conveyed his gratefulness for DA-10’s response to their request, assuring that they will use the seeds and garden tools accordingly. # (AMBM)

FCAs and LGUs from Bukidnon receive agri machineries and technology support from DA.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — About 60 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) from Bukidnon received agri interventions worth almost P122 million from DA-PhilMech on December 12, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Dalwangan, in this city.

Some 94 units of rice production technologies and agricultural machineries were turned over by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) to the FCAs and LGUs from the municipalities of Malitbog, Cabanglasan, Impasug-ong, Lantapan, San Fernando, Damulog, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Maramag, Quezon, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, and the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay.

Said interventions was funded under the mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), as provided under RA 11203, otherwise known as the Rice Tariffication Law.

PHilMech Interim Director for Extension Rodelio G. Idago, PhD. said that the interventions have been turned over to Bukidnon’s four congressional districts amount to a total of P121,855,000.

These include 29 units floating tiller, 22 units four-wheel tractor, 20 units mobile rice mill, 16 units rice combine harvester, 15 units rice thresher, 4 units recirculating dryer, 4 units hand tractor, 3 units rice reaper, 2 units single pass rice mill, and 1 walk-behind transplanter.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the said turnover of agri-machineries is harmonious with the agency’s thrust to boost the productivity and profitability of rice farmers in the country, including Northern Mindanao.

Per 2022 PSA data, Bukidnon ranked as the top rice-producing province in Northern Mindanao, with an annual production of 295,686 metric tons, accounting for almost 63% of the total rice production of region 10.

In support of the activity were Bukidnon Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, municipal agriculturists Roan R. Fernandez (Impasug-ong), Coleen Ambos (San Fernando), Herberto L. Tan (Damulog), Merlyn C. Los Baños (Don Carlos), Armand S. dela Cruz (Maramag), Edgar A. Cantones (Kalilangan), Teodor B. Quirante III (Pangantucan), and other PHilMech staff.# (GDA/Photo supplied)

DA-10 thru RED Collado signs a MOA with local chief executives across the region for the implementation of agricultural marketing projects.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CIRY – As part of its continuing commitment to elevate Northern Mindanao’s agriculture sector, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with four Local Government Units (LGUs) for the roll out of P18 million agricultural marketing projects in the region.

Simultaneous with the NorMin Regional Development Council (RDC-10) Full Council Meeting, Friday, December 15, DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado signed the Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance (KFGA) MOA with Lanao del Norte Governor, Imelda Q. Dimaporo, , Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao, Gingoog City Mayor Erick G. Canosa and Mayor Jayfrancis D. Bago of Opol town in Misamis Oriental.

The grant is deemed an enabling mechanism for the LGUs to create stable food supply in their respective localities, and minimize disruption in the supply chain, particularly for basic food commodities.

“We aim for holistic agricultural development. We are not just fortifying our support to the farmers and the LGUs in terms of production. Part of the goal is to go the extra mile and assist our stakeholders to establish sustainable food supply chain to ensure availability of basic food needs at all times,” Collado accounted.

Through the KFGA, the cities of Gingoog and Iligan, and the province of Lanao del Norte will receive P4 million financial grant for the procurement of agricultural hauling truck, while the town of Opol will get P5 million in grant for the establishment of trading post.# (ATT)