Agri-10 strengthens MisOr’s backyard gardening initiative thru the provision of assorted veggie seeds

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of the agency’s efforts to foster self-sufficiency and food security through backyard gardening initiatives, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds to Barangay Betahon, Lugait, Misamis Oriental on May 17, at the agency compound.

On behalf of RED Pacamalan, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD with High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan led the turnover of some 100 sachets of assorted vegetable seeds to Punong Barangay Dennis M. Yurong.

According to Yurong, the seeds will be used for their barangay’s implementation of the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) program of the national government, which aims to foster sustainable agriculture initiatives in the barangay level through the establishment of community gardens.

Further, Yurong said that the HAPAG program is being implemented across their barangay’s seven puroks, who have all expressed their interest in cultivating agricultural produce to secure their own supply of fresh and healthy vegetables.

The barangay official thanked DA-10 and expressed optimism for more collaborations and support from the national agency in the future.# (GDA)

DA-10 supports Liceo’s upcycling and urban gardening initiative in Brgy. Bonbon, CdeO City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Through a shared interest in promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds to the Liceo de Cagayan University in support of the latter’s initiative on upcycling and urban gardening, on May 3, at the agency compound, in this city.

Funded under the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program, some 30 packets of vegetable (Pinakbet) seeds were turned over by Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas to Jamaela Danielle L. Bulajao, a student-representative of the university’s Pharmacy program.

According to Bulajao, the seeds are supplemental to their student-organized community project dubbed, ‘Waste-Wise Warriors: A Community Seminar-Workshop on Understanding Beach Pollution and Microplastics’ Impact on Ocean Life and Health’ which aims to apprise the local community in Barangay Bonbon on sustainable measures to reduce plastic usage.

One of which, Bulajao said, is the repurposing of large-capacity water bottles as planting pots for use in small-scale and backyard gardening setups.

“Through our workshop segment [PlastiCraft], we aim to reuse plastic materials by turning them into [planting pots] for various vegetable [seeds], and contribute to the establishment of urban gardening in Barangay Bonbon, thereby promoting environmental awareness,” Bulajao said.

As a sustainability measure, Bulajao further said that the project will be conducted in close coordination with their school’s National Service Training Program office, who has already identified around 50 beneficiaries, aged 18 to 30 years old and residents of said barangay who are already engaged in the Urban Community Household Gardening program of the local government unit.# (GDA)

Agri-10’s celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s month underscores the local agri-fishery sector and produce.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To honor the role of local farmers and fisherfolk in the region’s agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) formally staged its celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month on May 15, at the agency compound, in this city.

During the opening ceremony, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan said that the annual celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 33 issued on May 21, 1989 which declares the month of May as the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month.

During which, the DA commemorates and pays tribute to Filipino farmers and fisherfolk for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the region’s agri-fishery sector.

RED Pacamalan also encouraged employees of the DA-10 to remain committed in service of the agri-fishery stakeholders, reiterating the Department’s mandate to empower farming and fishing communities.

To further celebrate said key players of the agri-fishery sector, DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) also staged a KADIWA ng Pangulo exhibit, where some 11 agri-fishery enterprises and producers from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon displayed their products for sale at economical prices.

Said exhibitors from Misamis Oriental included HNZ Lumbia Goat’s Milk, Claveria Municipal Federation of Cooperatives, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, Ganddz Freshwater Fish Farm, Tagoloan Black Rice, and Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative.

From Bukidnon, Valencia City-based chips producer 7K’s Food Products and Bahalinana known for their ‘suka sinamak’ in Kadingilan town also displayed their best-seller products.

In addition, farmers associations from Cagayan de Oro, Tagpuangi Fisherfolk’s Association, Canitoan Farmers Cooperative, and CDO Small Farmers sold various fruits and vegetables as KADIWA exhibitors.

In support of the event were DA-10 Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas; and Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-10) Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez.

Also present were chiefs of various DA-10 divisions, namely: AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman; Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse; Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD; and Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna.# (GDA)

Agri-10 provides agri inputs to MisOr corn farmers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with its commitment to support corn growers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan turned over some 150 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds (DK 8899S) and 100 bags fertilizer worth P1.15-M to Misamis Oriental corn farmers on May 17, at the agency compound in this city.

As part of said provision, the Sitio Catuan Integrated Farmers Association (SCIFA) of Jasaan town received 13 bags of hybrid corn seeds and 13 bags of fertilizers, while the Maribojoc Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MACOFARCO) of Tagoloan was given 23 bags of corn seeds and 23 bags fertilizer.

Similarly, corn farmers associations in Claveria town represented by Nelson B. Tabamo, also received 114 bags of hybrid corn seeds and 64 bags of fertilizers.

The said farm inputs were distributed to the farmers in time with the wet planting season.

According to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, the provision of corn seeds and fertilizers to farmers is an essential support of the DA-10 Corn Program to corn farmers in augmenting their farm production.

“By providing farmers with high-quality seeds and fertilizers, they are equipped with the necessary resources to improve their yields and overall productivity, resulting in higher income,” she said.

Meanwhile, SCIFA president Joy N. Sabundo expressed her gratitude to the agency for the farm inputs they received.

“Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa DA sa pagbibigay sa amin ng libreng abono at binhi ng mais. Malaki talaga ang maitutulong nito sa amin, dahil mababawasan nito ang gastosin sa aming pagsasaka,” she said.

Furthermore, RTD Madriaga urged the beneficiaries to encourage their farmer members to register in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) for them to also benefit from other agriculture-related programs and services of DA.

Witnessing the turnover are DA-10 Field Operations Division chief, Luz I. Guzman, PhD and Corn Program focal person, Richan D. Lacanaria.# (RDME)

Agri-10 under the leadership of the newly installed RED Pacamalan, reaffirms support for the development of NorMin’s livestock industry during a meeting with DA ASec Albarece.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 reaffirms its support for strategic plans and programs geared toward the development of the livestock industry in Northern Mindanao.

In a meeting with DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM on May 8, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan expressed its continued interest in supporting the production of livestock in the region, and reassured its cooperation with the former’s office in implementing tailor-fit strategies for livestock in region 10.

It can be recalled last April, ASec Albarece met with DA-10 management to discuss improved plans and programs for the production of goats and cattle in the region.

Forming part of said efforts is the planned upscaling of DA-10’s research centers and services to cater to a wide range of livestock farmers, as well as the implementation of harmonized animal disease management strategies to curb unwanted mortalities.

To ensure the optimal implementation of such projects, RED Pacamalan said that DA-10 remains receptive towards key stakeholders in the local livestock sector, citing their invaluable role in ensuring an informed and pragmatic approach to support livestock farmers and producers here.

Present in support of the meeting were Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas, Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, and Floro V. Dalapag of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC).# (GDA)

Agri-10 culminates its cash assistance distribution under the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance for Bukidnon province, in the towns of Kibawe and Kitaotao.

The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Field Office (DA-NorMin) rounded up the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) distribution caravan in Bukidnon province on May 6-7, in Kibawe and Kitaotao town.

Some 1,053 smallholder rice farmers from the towns of Damulog, Dangcagan, Kadingilan, Kibawe and Kitaotao received their P5k cash subsidy in the two-day caravan.

For the fourth-year implementation of the RFFA, the DA-NorMin has apportioned P141.72-M in funds for as non-conditional cash grant to a total of 27,905 qualified recipients in Bukidnon.

RSBSA-registered rice farmers tilling rice area of not more than two hectares were entitled of the aid.

The RFFA is a strategic intervention of the DA to help farmers in mitigating rising farm inputs cost.

The DA-NorMin through its Rice program is set to hold the RFFA distribution caravan in Lanao del Norte on May 13-17 where 21,375 bonafide rice farmers will receive the RFFA.# (ATT)

DA-10 supports the community development initiative of Brgy. Dansolihon, CdeO City through the provision of various vegetable seeds.

DANSOLIHON, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continual pursuit of pushing food sufficiency and resiliency in communities, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan handed over agricultural inputs to the barangay government of Dansolihon, in this city.

On May 7, at the agency compound, DA-10 Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan conferred the assorted vegetable seeds, comprising of 5 tin cans each of Ampalaya, Eggplant and Squash seeds, 10 foil pack of Kangkong seeds, and 1 foil pack of Pole Sitao to Brgy. Dansolihon captain Josemaria Juan L. Roa.

According to the barangay official, the agri inputs will be utilized in the establishment of a demonstration farm, hoping that it will jumpstart the planting activities of farmers, especially those coming from sitios Bato and Lagandang, at the same time serve as a show window that farming is a lucrative venture.

In doing so, Roa pins his hopes that it would encourage other interested residents to do the same, driving the upliftment in the lives of farmers and residents, and overall, contributing to the development of their community.

He further extended his thanks for the said grant and is likewise optimistic that it will act as a springboard for a more strengthened partnership with the DA in the future.

Pooled from the agency’s 2023 funds, the said provisions are funded under the Production Support Services of the HVCDP. # (JLO)

Agri-10 provides Brgy. 36 of CdeO City with assorted vegetable seeds for their urban gardening program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To augment the overall food resiliency in urban communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) turned over assorted vegetable seeds to Barangay 36 on May 7, at the agency compound.

In support of the cause, DA-10 Farmer Director Nilda B. Salas together with HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan handed over 1 bag of Kangkong seeds, 1 bag of Pole Sitao seeds, 3 tin cans of Ampalaya seeds, 3 tin cans Pechay seeds, and 3 tin cans of Carrot seeds to said barangay through Brgy. Captain Reynante L. Roa.

According to Roa, the seeds will be utilized for their community urban gardening activity where residents will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and ingenuity in urban farming that are both efficient and environmentally friendly.

“I am very thankful to the DA- Region 10 for providing us with seeds in support of our community urban gardening in Barangay 36. This program is in line with the upcoming nutrition month celebration where we will be conducting an urban gardening competition that aims to encourage the residents in our barangay to plant vegetables,” he said.

Roa added through the competition, participants will learn the value of land utilization and recycling of materials which can greatly contribute to the development of more sustainable and self-sufficient urban farming systems.# (RDME)

Kibawe and Kitaotao farmers receive fuel subsidy assistance from the DA-10.

As part of its efforts to cushion the impact of the rising costs of fuel among farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) turned over the amount of P474K-worth of fuel subsidy assistance through the distribution of fuel discount cards to Bukidnon farmers during the Bagong Pilipinas Town Hall meeting in Kibawe, Bukidnon.

One hundred fifty-eight farmers in the amount of P3K each, 155 from Kibawe town and three from the municipality of Kitaotao, have received the intervention to gas up their farm machinery and equipment for their crop production.

Eligible farmers must be enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), an individual or farmers’ cooperative, association must own and have proof of functional machinery and equipment and it should be further listed in the Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Management Information System.# (JLO)

Agri-10 joins and participates in the conduct of an Information and Services Caravan in Brgy. Mapulo, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, bringing also packets of vegetable seeds for the farmers in the locality.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Committed to bringing government services closer to the people, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, joins the Information and Services Caravan today, April 30, held in Barangay Mapulo, here.

Spearheaded by the Communication and Advocacy Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in collaboration with the Philippine Army (PA), Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) and regional line agencies, the activity aims to strengthen government efforts in ending local communist armed conflict, especially those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

For DA-10, some 40 packets of Kangkong and Pechay vegetable seeds were given to farmers in the locality.

In addition, the agency has facilitated the enrollment of farmers to the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), which serves as a minimum requirement in availing various agricultural programs, services and other interventions.

Also in attendance is Provincial Operations Center chief of Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10, who pins her hopes that these initiatives will help empower the community as well as help them save money and generate additional income as they grow their own food.# (AMBM)