DA-PhilMech turns over P114-M worth of various rice machinery to Buk’non FCAs to drum up rice prod’n through mechanization.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) turned over P114 million worth of various rice machinery to FCAs in Bukidnon.

Around 36 qualified farmers, cooperative and associations (FCAs) received on Thursday, November 18 various rice machinery in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program (RCEF), 5,616 farmer-members are expected to benefit from the 100 units of rice machinery under the CY 2021 funds.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with DA-PhilMech Head Facility Management and Field Operations Division Joel V. Dator and Bukidnon 3rd district representative Manuel F. Zubiri led the turnover and awarding of certificates to FCAs.

Said FCAs coming from the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia and the municipalities of Impasug-ong, San Fernando, Cabanglasan, Maramag, Kitaotao, Manolo Fortich, Quezon, Pangantucan and Kalilangan availed the machinery which includes four-wheel drive tractor, hand tractor, floating tiller, PTO driven disc plow/harrow, walk-behind and riding type transplanter, rice reaper, combine harvester, thresher, recirculating dryer, impeller rice mill, single pass rice mill and de stoner.

The province of Bukidnon considered the food basket of Mindanao, contributes around 50-60 percent of rice sufficiency in Northern Mindanao with 90k hectares of the rice harvest area.

Rice mechanization is one of the components of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, which stipulates the creation of the RCEF that would be funded from rice tariffs collections, with P10 billion allocation annually from 2019 to 2024 or a period of six years.

It aims to improve rice production in the country through mechanization that would reduce production and postharvest losses up to 20 percent and eventually increase production.

Director Collado said farm machinery will boost farming activities and ensure high productivity and reduce postharvest losses of farmers.

“The need to increase the level of farm mechanization, to produce more food efficiency and quality will be beneficial both for farmers and consumers,” he concluded.# (ATCabig)

On November 15, the planting of various hybrid corn seeds at DA-10’s RCUD in Dangcagan, Bukidnon starts, with the goal of showcasing the performance of the different seed companies’ entries for the corn derby.

DANGCAGAN, BUKIDNON, November 15 – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao in partnership with the private seed companies commenced the planting of various hybrid corn seeds at the agency’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in barangay Barongcot.

The activity aims to showcase the potentials of different hybrid corn varieties, following the technologies brought by the seed companies namely, Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc., Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc., Corteva Agriscience Inc., Evo Gene, Green and Grow Technologies, Bayer Crop Science, Inc., and Syngenta Philippines, Inc.

Earlier in October, the department has conducted a corn derby at DA-10’s research complex and center in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, respectively.

The performance of said hybrid varieties will be bared by mid-February or March next year to local farmers in determining which ones are best suited in their respective areas for adoption. # (EMBentulan)

RAFC-10 participates in the 16 Mindanao AFC Congress to further agri-fishery development.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – Northern Mindanao (RAFC-10) participated in the 16th Mindanao Agri-Fisheries Council (AFC) Congress in collaboration with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).

In its quest to further develop the agri-fishery sector across the Mindanao island regions, 60 AFC members in NorMin virtually and physically attended the congress on November 10, 2021.

Bearing with the theme, “Strengthened AFC partnerships: A pathway in pursuing sustainable, progressive, and resilient Mindanao A & F development” tackles different topics and pressing issues affecting the sector.

The RAFC aids the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the delivery of its programs and services amid the ongoing pandemic.

One of the highlights was the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which results in the rollout of more agri-fishery programs at the local government unit level.

The implementation of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program of the department targets to attain economies of scale; thereby, enabling more farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs to produce and earn more.

Credit windows through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) were revisited to ensure the availment of financial assistance by members of farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) of said clusters.

Of the 17 crafted resolutions Mindanao-wide, seven of which were crafted by NorMin to boost the approaches of DA in realizing its programs, projects, and services.

RAFC-10 Chair Reynaldo M. Cabanao stressed, that the insights and recommendations of the Council will form part of an updated, inclusive, and collaborative food security plan that will map out the visualized transformation of a competitive and developed agri-fishery sector. # (JCAnito)

Thirty DA-10 personnel train on gender sensitivity, which focused on gender bias, fairness and justice, where it is seen to help them of one’s treatment of others.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its Human Resource Management Section conducted training on gender sensitivity to its 30 staff on November 8-9, 2021.

In partnership with the Regional Gender and Development Committee, the capabuild aims to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of employees on gender bias, fairness, and justice, where it overall shapes one’s treatment of others.

Particularly, it focused on gender and development (GAD), tackling gender concerns affecting public offices and clients, including the participants and their respective families.

It emphasized further on the equality of women and men officials and officers in nation-building.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga remarked that the training is a continual effort to show how gender shapes the roles of women and men in society, including their role in development.

She further stressed how gender and sensitivity affects relations and its impact on the delivery of services of the agency in the long run.# (JCAnito)

Another sorghum model farm in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon is featured to promote the crop as an alternative ingredient for feeds in support of the livestock and poultry industries. (Photo credit: JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 11 – Over a month after its pilot site was showcased, another sorghum model farm in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon held its Field Day in November 10, 2021, in barangay Paradise.

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-10) has provided the farm inputs and technical assistance together with the Cabanglasan Municipal Agriculture’s Office to the farmer-cooperators Leah L. Salvaleon and Edward C. Nillo.

The staged technology demonstration aims to promote sorghum mainly as an alternative ingredient for feeds in support of the livestock and poultry industries.

To complement the model farm initiatives, DA-10 Sorghum focal person Jurrybe J. Lachica bared, that on top of the provision of agri inputs, the department will also hold a series of postharvest processing training to maximize the utilization of sorghum such as silage and medium for mushroom production.

“Aside from the San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI), the department will continue to seek more marketing windows for sorghum to motivate more farmers in growing sorghum, which is more economical and nutritious animal feeds,” Lachica remarked.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado has been encouraging farmers to intensify their production provided with the proper adoption and management of the technology for farmers to have higher yields and gain higher income. # (EMBentulan)

DA-NMACLRC houses the planting of the current product lines of IsaacSeed to provide farmers with more options and agri innovations, especially for those who prefer to engage in non-GMO corn production.

Being one of the research centers of the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10), it facilitates in showcasing the adaptability of the current product lines of IsaacSeed, namely: PAGASA and PAGPAPALA through national cooperative testing.

Carmelito R. Lapoot, NMACLRC chief said, the results will serve as a basis for recommendation to the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC), as the company targets to have their product lines registration.

He further noted, that said activity will provide options and innovations in agriculture for corn farmers who prefer to engage in non-GMO corn production.

Apart from NMACLRC, two hectares apiece will also be allocated in DA-10’s other research centers: Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan, Bukidnon; and Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Similarly, interested farmers from Bukidnon province who eye to conduct on-trials in their respective farms will have an opportunity to plant both the PAGASA and PAGPAPALA, as IsaacSeed is willing to provide them with the seeds good for 400 hectares. # (JLO)

Select representatives from smallholder farmer-groups from MisOr underwent a three-day training on PGS for them to guided on how to go about in the development of their PGS internal standard and operations.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 12 – Capacitating farmers in the operations of their respective PGS group, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the Regulatory Division and Organic Agriculture program staged a three-day Training on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) on November 9-11, 2021.

Nearly 20 organic farmers from select smallholder groups from the province of Misamis Oriental convened to gain technical assistance in the development of PGS internal standard and operations.

Republic Act (RA) 11511 amends the provisions of RA 10068 or otherwise known as the Organic Agriculture (OA) Act of 2010.

Under said Act, products certified and guaranteed through PGS shall be allowed to be labelled and sold as organic.

As defined, PGS refers to a locally focused quality assurance system which is developed and practiced by those actually engaged in OA and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange.

“As an alternative to third-party certification, the system is used to certify producers and farmers as actual and active organic agriculture practitioners. With the recognition of PGS, this will significantly reduce the cost of organic certification paving way for more organic certified produce in the market,” DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla remarked.

Said training tackled on module 1 – OA Act, its implementing rules and regulations, and amendments by RA 11511 on PGS; and module 2 – OA standards and the national list of permitted substances for OA, which will aid participants on the valid interpretation of the Philippine National Standards on OA and its equivalent requirements.

“We encourage you to continue your efforts in working hand-in-hand with the agency, as this will mean more interventions for OA,” RTD Bajarla added.

Further, this batch of attendees will undergo further capabuild with discussions on module 3 – operation of PGS groups as organic certifying bodies (OCBs); module 4 – certification and accreditation of core PGS groups as OCBs; and module 5 – auditing management systems of OCBs.# (JLO)

DA-10 launches the cluster hybrid rice techno demo in Maramag town to help address rice sufficiency through the use of hybrid technology.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – To address rice sufficiency through hybrid rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO10) launched the Maramag cluster Hybrid Rice Technology Demonstration on Friday, November 12, 2021.

In partnership with the local government units, seed companies and farmer associations, a total of 17 seed varieties will be showcased in the 13.85-hectare techno demo area in barangay South Poblacion.

DA-10 Rice Focal Person Chona H. Nacalaban noted, the activity aims to showcase different hybrid rice varieties, and to find out the most suitable hybrid rice variety in their locality as well as determine the cost-benefit ratio of different hybrid rice varieties.

Nacalaban added that generated results from the techno demo will be one of the bases for the agency’s rice seeds procurement.

She further emphasized that the activity is in line with the National Rice Awareness Month this November with the theme, “Be RICEponsibly healthy.”

Bukidnon is one of the top 15 provinces hybrid rice seed users in the country.

Meanwhile, Dr. Janet D. Lopez, DA-10 provincial operations center chief of Bukidnon shared, that said project is in line with the Bayanihan Agri Clusters (BAC) key strategy of the ‘OneDA reform agenda’.

“DA Secretary William D. Dar has been pushing for the strengthened farm clustering and consolidation to maximize production,” she added.

In response, Patag Coroña Irrigators Association Chair Abraham C. Sendiong, Jr. shared, “Ang hybrid rice derby ay isang tamang stratehiya ng DA para malaman kung anong tamang variety ng palay ang naayon sa aming lugar.”

Said activity marks the first leg of the cluster and provincial-led hybrid rice techno demo to be conducted in Bukidnon which includes other areas like the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay, and the municipality of Kalilangan. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 through AMAD conducts a meeting for the agribiz coordinators regionwide to consult with the group on how to drum up the agribiz programs and services offered by the region.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) convened for a four-day Agribusiness Coordinators meeting on November 8-11, this city.

Agribusiness coordinators from the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental met to discuss and review DA-10’s agribusiness programs and services implemented in the region.

The activity primarily aims to convey to the LGUs the agribusiness programs and services offered by the DA and the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) to farmers and fishers in the province, particularly credit assistance, market development services, and agri commodities price monitoring.

The gathering is also an avenue to identify common ground in addressing issues and concerns encountered in the implementation of the DA’s agribusiness programs at the LGU level and identify the most-needed agribusiness assistance services in the region.

According to Jenny D. Alcobilla, AMAD Agribusiness, and Industry Support Section Chief, the activity is one way to establish cooperative relationships with the LGUs as DA-10 strives to better its agribusiness services.

“The agribusiness coordinators are our counterparts at the LGU level. Through this activity they will be updated on our agribusiness programs and services, and we will be informed of the LGUs’ concerns towards those programs. The LGUs’ inputs will form part of our recommendation for future agribusiness projects” Alcobilla said.

Virtual meeting with the agribusiness coordinators in Misamis Occidental and Camiguin was earlier held by the AMAD.

The output of the meeting will serve as AMAD’s reference and basis in planning and implementing streamlined and need-based agribusiness programs in the region in the coming years.# (ATalib)

The government seizes smuggled red onions in MCT to prevent the carry of possible pests or diseases that will affect local farmers’ production of crops and the health and safety of consumers.

TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Around P50 million worth of smuggled red onions were seized by the Sub-Task Group Economic Intelligence (STGEI) and the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro at the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT), Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on November 8 and 9, 2021.

This was bared by the Department of Agriculture Asst. Secretary and the co-chair of the STGEI on Food Security, Federico E. Laciste Jr. during a press conference on Tuesday, November 9 at BOC Office in Tagoloan town.

Following the verification and examination of 18 forty-footer container vans, consigned by R2H Trading with declared imported commodities as breaded shrimp, flavored nuts, curdled cream milk, crustaceans, acidified cream, smoked crawfish, and breaded improver were found as red onions from China.

Smuggled agri products have no Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) issued by the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, which may carry possible pests or diseases that will affect the local crops and health safety of the consumers.

Laciste emphasized that they are not fit for human consumption and must be properly disposed of.

BOC Sub-Port Collector John Simon acknowledged the concerted efforts of the SGEI composite team in Northern Mindanao comprising the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), DA-BPI Plant Quarantine Service (DA-BPI PQS), and DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) which yield a positive turnout on its relentless efforts to curb smuggling of agri products.

The OneDA team headed by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-BPI-PQS 10 Regional Manager Manuel A. Barradas witnessed the said activity together with the other concerned agencies.#(ATCabig)