Agri-10 supports the outreach program of XUCN through the provision of agricultural inputs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To aid in community development projects, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over assorted vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and garden tools to Xavier University – College of Nursing (XUCN) on November 24, 2023.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan turned over 30 packets each of 5-in-1 Pinakbet and Sinigang seeds, 2 light hoe, 10 seedling tray, 2 shovel, 4 sprinkler, 10 bolo and 5 bags of organic fertilizer to Level 3 Coordinator Jesusa C. Gabule, RN, MN along with the university’s nursing students.

They also received Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials as guides to complement their vegetable planting.

“As part of our Community Health Nursing Duty, the nursing students will be organizing a livelihood program for the residents of Sitio Macapaya, Brgy. Camaman-an, for which we plan to provide livelihood sustenance through eco-organic gardening,” shared Gabule.

She further thanked DA-10 for the support in helping the school advance its endeavors, at the same time extending support to their chosen benefiting community. # (AMBM)

Farmers undergo training on banana insect pests and disease management, spearheaded by DA-RCPC 10.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) of the Department of Agriculture RFO – 10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado trained farmers on Banana Insect Pests and Diseases Management on Wednesday, November 14-15 in this city.

Eighteen Bukidnon banana farmers finished the two-day training at the Northern Mindanao Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City that immersed them in the field to properly identify friendly and non-friendly insect pests and diseases.

Further, they observed the various Biological Control Agents or Biocon in RCPC to demonstrate the management and production of the technology.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca highlighted the need for banana farmers to be part of associations and cooperatives to access and benefit various DA programs and projects.

Importantly, she added that it will diversify and be certified through Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) certification, which will potentially be greenlit to market security.

Speakers from DA-RFO 10 focused the discussion on the banana industry roadmap; potential products and market trade and value chain; and, the importance of good agricultural practices, including farmer certification through PhilGap.

Center Chief, Lucille T. Minguez hopes to instill a resilient mindset and commitment among farmers, empowering them to seize every learning opportunity for prosperity and reach their full potential.

RCPC is the arm of DA dedicated to the production and promotion of Biological Control Agents (Biocon) in the region, which are friendly organisms that feed (Earwig, Lacewing, Eocanthecona furcellata) parasitizes (Trichogramma) and infect diseases (Metarhizium anisopliaea, Trichoderma harzianum, Beauvaria bassiana) to insect pest enemies.#

Agri 10 pours P9.3-million for INSPIRE program in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

SAN FERNANDO, BUKIDNON – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Fernando is eyed to benefit from the Department of Agriculture – 10’s Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program worth P9.3 million.

On November 28, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado together with San Fernando Mayor Rogelio Yeke led the groundbreaking ceremony of the biosecured swine facility amounting to P5.5 million.

RED Collado said that the facility is part of the INSPIRE program along with the drugs and biologics worth 75K turned over on the same occasion.

Likewise, 300 head swine piglets (P2.3-M) and 550 bags of feed (P1.3-M) will be given after the completion of the construction of the said facility.

Collado added that the program focuses on increasing the swine and breeder base, and it provides livelihood assistance to its localities through swine production at the same time.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc said that the provided agri interventions will be managed by the LGU in order to help repopulate the swine industry of the province.

Also present at the event were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, the staff from the Municipal Agriculture’s Office, and other LGU officials. #(MPMT)

DA-PRDP, World Bank and the European Union visits the Crumb Rubber Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject of MTAC in Damulog, Bukidnon.

DAMULOG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project, together with the World Bank (WB) and the European Union (EU) visited the Crumb Rubber Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject of the Migcawayan Tribal Agricultural Cooperative (MTAC) on November 16, 2023, as part of the 16th Implementation Support Mission (ISM).

Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque welcomed the WB and the EU team to the province of Bukidnon and thanked them for their assistance to MTAC and to the province.

Mio Takada, WB Task Team Leader to PRDP said that the main objective of the mission is to hear from the proponent group on their preparation for the implementation of the given subproject, which includes addressing their apprehensions and constraints and providing direction to the group.

Further, the apprehension about constraints that they are facing so they can address and provide direction for them.

Meanwhile, Mojca Krisper-Figueroa, EU Programme Manager, is glad that the EU was able to join the ISM for the first time and visit the subproject site.

“It’s great that the existing facilities are running, and there is enhanced workforce labor and enhanced price increase in the production, which is actually good. We are happy to be here, learn from you and exchange ideas with you, and of course, if there is something that we can do for the cooperative, we are happy to assist,” Figueroa added.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and DA-PRDP Deputy Project Director (DPD) Carlota S. Madriaga affirmed the department’s commitment after noticing the perseverance, dedication, and drive of MTAC towards the success of the subproject.

Funded under DA-PRDP’s second additional financing (AF2) and European Union Co-Financing Grant, the medium enterprise proposed by MTAC has a subproject cost of Php 80,971,551.00 and will benefit greatly from the cooperative members, including a huge number of women, indigenous people, and rubber farmers in the barangay and nearby areas as it provides livelihood for them once the operation starts.

Gracing the activity are the WB team composed of Ning Bondoc, Shubham Singh, Mario Orilla, Cora Dankers, Tomas Sta. Maria, Gomer Tumbali, and Maya Villaluz, with representatives from the PRDP National Project Coordinating Office.

Also present in the activity are the Project Support Office Mindanao team led by DPD Noel Provido, the LGU of Damulog headed by Mayor Melino Buro, the Regional Project Coordinating Office 10 team, Migcawayan barangay officials, and MTAC members. #

F2C2 Regional Cluster underscores the farming and fishing approach in advancing agri development and enhancing local food production.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Intensifying its efforts to bolster farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) staged the first Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Regional Cluster on November 20 to 21, 2023, in this city.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado underscored the significance of the regional confab in advancing agricultural development and enhancing local food production.

“The first F2C2 program regional cluster summit in Northern Mindanao is historic and a remarkable achievement, as we unify the management of activities of farmers and fisherfolk that would result in enhanced quality of produce,” the agri exec chief said.

Moreover, RED Collado reiterated the thrust of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. to modernize agriculture to increase food production and empower farmers and fisherfolk, and enjoined the clusters to align their efforts and activities with the same.

About 60 FCAs from the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, and Lanao del Norte participated in the event, which featured plenary sessions on programs for cluster development offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), as well as agri-credit and insurance programs offered by the Development Bank of the Philippines.

In addition, the participants also took part in breakout workshop sessions on cooperative building and improving value chains, market linkage and expansion through digitalization, and credit and finance, with resource speakers from the CDA, DTI, DA-Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-RTC 10), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and the DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.

In support of the two-day summit, also present were Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas, Bukidnon with Provincial Operations Center chiefs, Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD., F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria, and F2C2 staff of DA-10.

Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 27, Series of 2020, the F2C2 seeks to advance the interest and condition of Filipino small farmers and fishers by encouraging them to adopt a clustering strategy and consolidation of their production, processing, and marketing activities to benefit from economies of scale in commodity production and ensure greater availability and wider utilization of agri-aqua technologies, farm mechanization, logistic and transport support, and postharvest facilities.

Ultimately, the F2C2 program aims to raise the overall productivity of the agri sector and the incomes of farmers and fishers in the country.#

NorMin farm and fishery clusters pledge to be RICEponsible during its regional cluster summit.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In time with the observance of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), 60 officers of Northern Mindanao’s agri-fishery clusters took a RICEponsible pledge on November 20, in this city.

Led by DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Rice Program focal person, Chona H. Nacalaban, the region’s farm and fishery cluster leaders from the five provinces of the region vowed to advocate for rice sufficiency by consuming alternative staple crops and buying locally produced rice, to complement the government’s heightened effort in boosting local rice production.

The leaders of the different clusters pledged during the first NorMin Farm and Fishery Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program Regional Cluster Summit, attended by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and other members of DA-10 management committee.#(ATT)

MARBFC has over the years provided services in terms of agricultural loans and custom services of pre- and post-harvest machineries and equipment. These have helped farmers sustain their farming activities and importantly, ensure economic resilience by commanding fair prices for their corn harvest.  

QUEZON CITY – Two of the assisted farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) were honored after being adjudged as the champions in the 2023 Corn and Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Awards on November 17, at the Salvador H. Escudero Hall, National Meat Inspection Service, Visayas Avenue, Diliman here.

Both from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (MARBFC) and Bliss Lingion Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BLMPC) won the corn and cassava accolades, respectively for being DA’s partners in the production of safe and quality corn and cassava, promotion of value chain approach, development of the corn and cassava industries, as well as the provision of various services by the cluster organizations to their members.

During the awarding ceremony, reading the message on behalf of Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, U-Nichols A. Manalo, national corn coordinator and OIC-Director of DA-Field Operations Service relayed how innovation, convergent efforts, and the adoption of farm clustering approach play a pivotal role in advancing the corn and cassava sectors.

“We come together to celebrate the synergy between innovation, dedication, and collaboration among groups, individuals, and agencies,” she expressed.

The senator is also a staunch ally in farm clustering saying that it increases production and ensures a sustainable supply of safe and high-quality agricultural products, and provides an enabling environment for farmers to become more productive, innovative and competitive.

“You have not only met the challenges and expectations posed by the ever-evolving agricultural landscape, but you have surpassed expectations. It resonates in the lives of rural communities and in the sustenance of our nation.” Sen. Villar said, as she lauds the feats of farm clusters, even citing them as the drivers of economic growth and social development.

In her acceptance speech, MARBFC manager Evangeline P. Frasco is grateful that their FCA’s hard work was recognized and rewarded.

“Thank you, DA for the cash award where we can expand our inputs provision to our corn farmers where more funds means more farms to be assisted, and an increase in the volume of production to satisfy our markets,” Frasco said.

On the other hand, Dante M. Dosayco, BLMPC chairperson remarked: “This is a token for our past efforts and also a push for our future endeavors. We assure you (DA) that our future deeds will only just get better.”

For bagging the coveted top spots in said awards, both Manolo farm cluster organizations received P2 million for the purchase of farm inputs, farm equipment and machinery, and postharvest facilities that would help them boost their farming operations, livelihood and income.

Trailing MARBFC for the corn excellence awards are first and second runners-up: Samahang Gumagawa Tungong Tagumpay MPC of Occidental Mindoro and Maningalao-Lingayao Agriculture Cooperative of Agusan del Norte, respectively. Following BLMPC in the cassava awards are first and second runners-up: Zamboanga del Norte Cassava Growers and Processors, Inc. of Zamboanga del Norte and Villa Luna MPC of Isabela, respectively.

“Rest assured that I will continue to pursue legislative mechanisms and policies that will solidify the linkage of production and market access across the rich and diverse commodities in our country,” Sen. Villar’s commitment, as she caps off her message.

Besides the honored farming clusters, the different technical working groups for the corn and cassava clusters at the national and regional levels were also recognized and presented with certificates.

Supporting the winners from the DA-10 delegation is headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, together with Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria, and Science Research Specialist II Mischelle F. Egama, who is also the former Cassava focal person, DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) – Regional Training Center Ma. Lydia Echavez, and the municipal agriculturist of Manolo Fortich, Gemma G. Cania.

Other national agri officials were also in attendance, including Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, DA-ATI director and the newly installed Engr. Roger V. Navarro, officer-in-charge for the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations.# (JLO/Photos by: AFID)

Agri-10 hosts a year-end assessment among BPMS data contributors to refine the conduct of price monitoring in NorMin.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — To refine its conduct of price monitoring in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, staged its year-end assessment for data contributors to the Bantay Presyo Monitoring System (BPMS) on November 16, in this city.

Spearheaded by the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, the assessment served as an avenue for data contributors across Region 10 to report on their provinces’ submissions of price data, and share best practices toward increased responsiveness to concerns resolution, and improved data collection and reporting.

In her message, Agribusiness and Industry Support Services (AISS) section chief Jenny D. Alcobilla emphasized that the knowledge and information shared during the event will guide administrators of the BPMS to ensure a more reliable and responsive implementation of the program in Northern Mindanao.

In response to the issues and concerns reported by data contributors concerning 11 public markets in the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental, the AMAD-AISS provided recommendations and suggestions to effectively address the same.

Moreover, three top-performing data contributors of the BPMS were also recognized, from the local government units of Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental, San Fernando in Bukidnon, and Gingoog City, in Misamis Oriental.

The event was supported by the Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon represented by Engr. Arlene Almo, and AMAD staff.# (GDA)

ARTA conducts an onsite inspection at DA-10 to check its adherence to RA 11032.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Anti Red-Tape Authority (ARTA) conducted an onsite inspection at the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado to evaluate both its internal and external processes in adherence to Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

Cora A. Dumayaca, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, together with other agency personnel welcomed the ARTA team led by Supervising Administrative Officer Dominic I. Sanchez and Project Development Officer II Harold Oga.

The ARTA team inspected the external process flow of the services offered by the department under the Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD), particularly the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, which provides services that are vital to the development of the livestock and poultry industry.

Accordingly, Viralou Tuquib, DVM presented the procedure in receiving samples from external clients, at the same time on how they perform prompt and accurate diagnostic tests of major animal diseases that curb disease outbreaks.

On the other hand, the Regional Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory bared its procedure on how it tests samples on poultry and livestock feedstuff on different chemical testing parameters in compliance with BAI feed quality standard.
The ARTA also lauded the department’s proactive practices, highlighting the presence of the Citizen’s Charter and the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD).

Notably, the PACD was commended for the delegation of agency staff to be assigned each day through the issuance of a department memorandum. Generally, the department was compliant with minimal findings.

RTD Dumayaca expressed her gratitude to the ARTA team and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to maintaining its good practices and acting on the recommendations made as it moves forward for an enhanced delivery of its services to agri-clienteles.# (TJL)

Opol Mayor Jayfrancis D. Bago receives the certificate for the rice recirculating dryer for OPIA that would help boost the association’s farm productivity and income.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, together with the Local Government Unit of Opol turned over a P2.78 million worth of Rice Recirculating Dryer to Opol Farmer Irrigators Association (OPIA) on November 10, 2023 at Sitio Camaroc, Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental.

The recirculating dryer has a 6.2 tons full capacity, and a drying lead time of 8 hours. With such facility, farmers can mechanically dry their produce with reduced postharvest losses, thus optimizing their efficiency and profitability.

RED Collado emphasized the importance of attaining food security through increased productivity and enhanced interventions for the agriculture sector, especially the local rice farmers.

He also urged the farmers to be ecologically-receptive in producing food without putting the environment at risk.

As its counterpart, the LGU Opol apportioned P330K funds for the construction of a structure to shed the recirculating dryer.

Opol town Mayor, Atty. Jayfrancis D. Bago expressed his gratitude to the DA for the grant of the project.

He said the project complements the LGU’s vision to bolster thriving and sustainable agriculture to boost the local rice farmers’ income.

The LGU has identified the OPIA as the recipient of the project being the federation of three major rice farmers associations in the town – the Camaroc FA, Pobibo FA, Taboc FA, with an aggregate rice area of 130 hectares.

The project is funded by the DA-RFO 10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) under the Bayanihan II: Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program.#(DLV)