Agri-10 through its F2C2 program spearheads a training on product development and marketing strategy to 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In support of the nationwide, simultaneous distribution of government assistance through the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ event, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, spearheaded the distribution of vegetable seed packets in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Bukidnon, on September 13.

Through the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the DA has apportioned 250 packets of Chopsuey seeds to Misamis Oriental.

DA-10 has also apportioned 480 packets of Pinakbet seeds and 360 packets of Sinigang seeds to Bukidnon for walk-in clients and interested individuals.

Meanwhile, through the agency’s National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), the DA-10 has apportioned 120 seed packets to Camiguin for distribution during the nationwide activity.

To complement the said agri inputs, DA has also distributed various information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on the production of various vegetables and crops, which are seen to guide and support the small-scale, backyard gardening efforts of said beneficiaries.

Brynn Verano, a resident of Barangay Lanise in Claveria, Misamis Oriental expressed his thanks to the agency for the provision of seeds, saying these inputs are sure to benefit his own backyard gardening efforts.

“Thank you DA for the vegetables you have provided. While [this is] not my first time [with backyard gardening], these seeds and production guides are still beneficial because it adds to my knowledge with planting, especially on those new practices I have yet to learn,” Verano said.

DA-10 spearheads the conduct of a quarterly coordination meeting for a presentation of updates on grant-in-aids for students enrolling agri and related discipline, and ACEF loan availment among farmers and fishers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To gauge and harmonize the implementation of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 ACEF Regional Coordinating Unit (DA-10 ACEF-RCU) chaired by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, recently convened ACEF-implementing bodies – Commission on Higher Education – Region 10 (CHED-10) and Landbank of the Philippines’ (LBP) lending centers in Northern Mindanao for its quarterly coordination meeting, in this city.

Mainly, the gathering focused on the presentation of updates and consensus by the CHED and LBP’s lending centers in Region 10 relative to the ACEF – Grants-in-Aid for Higher Education Program (ACEF-GIAHEP) application for students enrolling agriculture and related discipline, and ACEF loan availment among the farmers and fisherfolk’s associations, cooperatives in the region.

Dir. Madriaga urged the DA-10 ACEF-RCU to assist CHED in cascading the updated guidelines of the ACEF-GIAHEP, while urging the CHED to expedite screening of qualified ACEF scholars.

Similarly, the DA-10 ACEF-RCU vowed to assist the LBP in fast-tracking ACEF loan applications and provide manpower augmentation for monitoring and settlement of past due loans.

As a way forward, the DA official enjoined the LBP and CHED to work closely with DA in pinpointing mitigating courses of action for improved ACEF implementation in the region.# (ATT)

Agri-10 through the AMIA program equips farmers in Manticao on Climate Information Service with focus on climate-resilient agriculture practices.

To continue the promotion of new technologies amid climate change, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan conducted a training on Climate Information Service cum Climate-Resilient Agriculture Practices and Planning Workshop on September 4-6 at Upper Malubog, Manticao, Misamis Oriental.

Spearheaded by the DA-10’s Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) program, 43 members from the Upper Malubog Manticao Abaca Farmers’ Association were taught on the Climate Information Services (CIS), a tool used to monitor the weather conditions that can help the farmers plan and adjust their farm activities to avoid losses and damages of their crops brought by the sudden change of climate.

One of the participants, Carlita Madrina expressed that she has learned a lot from the said activity.

“Even though I am a senior citizen and have only a short time left to contribute to farming and apply what I have learned, I intend to pass the knowledge on to the younger generation and those who follow, hoping that it will not go to waste,” she stated.

She furthered that she pins her hopes in seeing the fruits of all the teachings from the DA, as we continue to face the challenge of the changing climate.#(AMBM/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 and BSWM orient the LGUs of MisOcc and Lanao Norte on land use reclassification.

LANAO DEL NORTE — As the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) advocates for effective management of land resources through the local government units (LGUs) in the region, its Regulatory Division, in coordination with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), conducted a Briefing and Orientation on Land Use Reclassification and Other Regulatory Services on September 11-12, here.

The event, which centered on Memorandum Circular No. 54 (MC 54), Series of 1993, aimed to equip LGUs within their jurisdictions the necessary guidelines for reclassifying agricultural lands for nonagricultural purposes.

According to Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, chief of the Regulatory Division, understanding the reclassification process and its prescribed guidelines will help LGUs make informed actions that support sustainable development in their localities, ensuring that their land resources are efficiently and sustainably utilized for food and nonfood production and agro-industrialization.

During the sessions, Senior Agriculturist Novie T. Suello explained the technical aspects of DA MC No. 26, Series of 2022, covering the application processes for land use reclassification, with reasons pursuant to Section 3 of the Joint HLRB, DAR, DA, DILG MC, Series of 1995.

Suello emphasized that the LGUs through the Sanggunian concerned shall secure a DA Certification as per Section 2 (b) (1) of MC 54, Series of 1993 and submit the necessary requirements through the Regional Land Use Technical Working Group (RLUTWG) Secretariat.

The RLUTWG, together with the ALMED Technical Review Team, conducts the initial assessment on the application for reclassification and validates information and data, particularly on Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development (NPAAAD) and Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ).

Thus, representatives from the BSWM’s Agricultural Land Management and Evaluation Division (ALMED) presented the NPAAAD and SAFDZ maps, as the division acts as the depository of maps and relevant statistics.

The sessions ended in an open forum, highlighting that if areas proposed for reclassification are to remain agricultural, alternative areas for development will be recommended.

Present in the first session held in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, on September 11 were over 50 representatives from Misamis Occidental, and another batch of 50 representatives from Lanao del Norte attended the session on September 12 in Lala town, all from various Agricultural, Planning and Development, and Assessor’s offices at the municipal, city, and provincial levels of the said provinces.# (BJCE/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 supports Claveria farmers through the provision of assorted veggie seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continued effort to help communities engage in gardening culture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) extended its support through vegetable seed distribution to the Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Kalawitan Association (KMK) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental today, September 5, in the city.

A total of 60 vegetable seed packets, suitable for growing chop suey and pinakbet ingredients, were handed over by DA-10’s Regional Technical Director, Carlota S. Madriaga, together with High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person, Kersten S. Pagalan to KMK president Florentino Lamba III.

The association, which manages a land area spanning more than 2,000 square meters, envisions expanding its efforts to encourage community participation in gardening.

As one of the exhibitors in the DA’s KADIWA program, which ensures food commodities are accessible in urban areas, Lamba expressed optimism that with the DA’s support, the association can now offer even more affordable harvests to the community.

“The KMK has always strived to provide budget produce, even when we had to supply our own seedlings at first. Now, with the DA’s help, we can lower prices even more, making it easier for people to access fresh, affordable vegetables,” he said.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 supports Claveria farmers through the provision of assorted veggie seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continued effort to help communities engage in gardening culture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) extended its support through vegetable seed distribution to the Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Kalawitan Association (KMK) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental today, September 5, in the city.

A total of 60 vegetable seed packets, suitable for growing chop suey and pinakbet ingredients, were handed over by DA-10’s Regional Technical Director, Carlota S. Madriaga, together with High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person, Kersten S. Pagalan to KMK president Florentino Lamba III.

The association, which manages a land area spanning more than 2,000 square meters, envisions expanding its efforts to encourage community participation in gardening.

As one of the exhibitors in the DA’s KADIWA program, which ensures food commodities are accessible in urban areas, Lamba expressed optimism that with the DA’s support, the association can now offer even more affordable harvests to the community.

“The KMK has always strived to provide budget produce, even when we had to supply our own seedlings at first. Now, with the DA’s help, we can lower prices even more, making it easier for people to access fresh, affordable vegetables,” he said.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 and the Philippine Army collaborate for the conduct of an Onion derby at Camp Bahian, Brgy. Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBAY CITY, BUKIDNON – With the aim of motivating farmers to pursue onion farming, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) collaborates with the 403rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army for the Allium Derby Ceremonial Planting on September 10, at Camp Bahian, Barangay Impalambong, here.

DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan shared that the initiative marks the first collaboration for the conduct of an onion derby at the farmers level.

She added that the agency continues to explore options in planting red and white onions through the conduct of allium derby production in its different research stations, to determine the best climate and conditions in the hopes that the region produces its own and to easen the reliance on imports and supply from the Luzon area.

Meanwhile, 403rd IB Col Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr is grateful for the collaboration and stated that the initiative will also help former rebels and farmers in their community in learning how to plant onions through the help of different experts from seed companies.

The participating seed companies are Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Ramgo International, Corp., Allied Botanical Corp., Harbest Agribusiness Corp. and East-West Seed Philippines.

Further, the derby is anticipated for harvest by late November to early December.# (AMBM)

Agri-10 leads the launch of the Muleta CADP in barangay Pigtauranan for the protection, rehabilitation, and development of the Muleta Watershed, which covers a total of 21,630 hectares.

PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON — Acting on a shared interest for advancing resource conservation and sustainable development here, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) lead the launch of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP) on August 30, in Barangay Pigtauranan.

Spearheaded by the Regional Convergence Initiative – Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG), comprising the DAR, DENR, DILG, and the DA as lead convenor, with the Local Government (LGU) of Pangantucan, the launch bared the comprehensive and collaborative five-year development plan from 2023 to 2027, for the protection, rehabilitation, and development of the Muleta Watershed, which spans a total of 21,630 hectares and encompasses 11 barangays in Pangantucan town.

On behalf of DA Undersecretary for Operations and NCI-SRD chairperson Engr. Roger V. Navarro, Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom, PhD, who leads the National Secretariat of the NCI-SRD, lauded the collaboration of the RCI member-agencies and the local government toward the shared aspiration for sustainable development in the area.

“A key feature of the CADP is its convergence strategy. By aligning the efforts and resources of various stakeholders, we are creating synergies that enhance our impact,” Roscom said.

“This convergence model ensures that our initiatives are part of a larger, coordinated effort that maximizes the benefit for both livelihood opportunities and the environment,” she added.

The CADP, approved last March 13 by the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD), outlines a range of strategies and actions that address critical environmental, social, and developmental concerns inherent to the Muleta Watershed, and is seen to ultimately benefit some 33,007 residents in the area.

Pangantucan Municipal Agriculturist Teodoro B. Quirante III, explained that the CADP is structured to support the watershed’s protection and production zones, underscoring its dual focus on economic growth and environmental stewardship.

For areas classified under the watershed’s production zone, the CADP proposed interventions for agricultural and agri-industrial development, the construction of farm-to-market roads, the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, tourism development, and the expansion of the watershed’s commercial area.

Meanwhile, the CADP outlines actions to ensure the conservation and rehabilitation of the watershed’s protection zone, which include the establishment of forest buffers, advancing eco-tourism development, strategies for climate change mitigation, and ensuring the protection and proper utilization of said water source.

In a message of commitment for the convergence effort, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga assured that the DA remains steadfast in supporting local agricultural development.

Madriaga stressed that through the CADP, DA-10 has committed a total budget of P86.47 million to the municipality of Pangantucan for farm machinery, infrastructure, livelihood projects, production support, and training services.

Of which, about P74.8-M (87%) has been allocated by the Department to LGU Pangantucan through its banner programs for rice (P11-M), corn (P7.3-M), livestock (P15.7-M), high-value crops (P12.5k), farm-to-market roads (P15-M), and especially through the World Bank-funded DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (P25.8-M).

Further, she highlighted the value of collaboration with other national government agencies. “By working together, we can achieve far more than we could alone,” she said, encouraging a unified approach to ensure the success of the convergence efforts.

Meanwhile, on behalf of Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon expressed the provincial government’s support for the CADP, citing the passage of SP Resolution No. 2024-4032, adopting the Provincial Development Council’s support and approval for the said convergence effort.

Further, she thanked the NCI-SRD and the DA for leading the said project in Pangantucan, noting its implications on the guided development of the province and the benefits it provides for the people in Bukidnon.

Similarly, Pangantucan mayor Miguel A. Silva, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the project, recalling the current thrusts of the local government for agricultural development and job generation, which he said directly benefits from the strategies and actions provided in the CADP.

The event concluded with a signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by member-agencies of the RCI in Northern Mindanao, followed by a signing of a Pledge of Support joined by various stakeholders present, reaffirming their commitment to the sustainable and inclusive development of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area.

Said member-agencies were duly represented by DENR-10 Regional Director Henry A. Adornado, PhD; DILG Bureau of Local Government Division chief Zaldy Masangkay; and DAR-10 Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Maybelle T. Alcala.

Also in attendance from the DA-10 were Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD; Provincial Operations Center for Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM; and RCI-TWG Secretariat Head Gay Nanette R. Aleria.

From the local government, also present in support were Municipal Administrator Atty. Janica Gee Samonte-Arabejo; and SB Committee on Agriculture chairperson Pio Secadron.# (BJCE, GDA)

The hybrid rice variety TH-82 NSIC Rc350H showcases resiliency, as featured in a demo farm in Sitio Incalbog, Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — A demonstration farm in Sitio Incalbog, Can-ayan, featuring the hybrid rice variety TH-82 NSIC Rc350H, has showcased resilience amid the El Niño phenomenon, highlighting its potential to thrive within an upland ecosystem.

This was underscored during a culmination program of the techno demo on August 22, in the said city. This was led by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in partnership with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon province and Malaybalay City agriculture offices, and SeedWorks Philippines, Inc.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10’s Rice program focal person, emphasized the importance of introducing the hybrid rice technology in upland conditions, and engage members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), especially in their ancestral areas with limited rice cultivation.

Launched last February 8, the planted rice variety was initially expected to be harvested by the third week of May, but faced a 58-day delay in maturity due to a significant lack of rainfall from March to May, albeit yielding 2.2 tons per hectare based on crop cut results after receiving rainfall in June.

For his part, Emmanuel F. Piñol, former DA Secretary and an early supporter of the initiative, lauded the demo farm’s success as a significant milestone for Philippine agriculture.

“The ability of this rice variety to survive drought and continue growing, despite a delayed maturity period, underscores its potential to revolutionize rice production in upland areas,” Piñol remarked.

“This breakthrough could allow us to cultivate rice in areas previously reliant on irrigation,” he added, while further noting that it is pivotal in easing the reliance on rice imports and addressing the need to feed the growing population by expanding and improving available tribal areas of the country for rice production.

The demo farm, covering 3,000 square meters, is a precursor to developing the 300 hectares within the BUKTAMACO ancestral domains, which overall seeks to implement sustainable farming practices tailored to upland environments, at the same time bolstering food security in the region.# (BJCE)

Valencia City farmers receive assistance from the DA-10 through its Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project.

Valencia City, Bukidnon – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan rolled out about P2.934-million (M) in fuel subsidy to farmers who own or rent functional agricultural machinery for food production.

On August 19, at the Gymnasium and Cultural Center, here, some 978 eligible farmers received their fuel assistance allocation worth P3k each which was loaded into the DA Intervention Monitoring Card (IMC), issued in partnership with the Universal Storefront Services, Corp.

Per implementing guidelines of the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project for FY 2023, the fuel subsidy aims to temper the farmers’ brunt on fuel expenses, which forms part of the important operating costs in farming; thereby, enhancing their resiliency and cushioning the impact of the surge of oil price hikes in the agricultural sector.

Eligible recipients are either individual farmer or farmer-member of a Farmer Cooperative, Association (FCA) with proof of machinery ownership or rental agreement uploaded in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS), and further, they must be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Supporting the event is Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, who has put a premium on the provision of fuel assistance from the national government through the DA, noting that farmers in the locality are coping as well with the El Niño-triggered effects on their planting and other farm operations.

DA-10’s partner on the ground in the validation of farmer-beneficiaries, the city agriculture’s office of Valencia headed by Connie L. Dalangan, congratulated the farmers to have been granted intervention by the government, as the fuel assistance will help mechanize and modernize their agricultural production systems.
“I hope that you have felt the presence and sincerity of the government, that through this gesture [of providing fuel subsidy], it may serve as an inspiration [to all our farmers] to work even harder to augment their yield and income.” the city agriculturist remarked.

Spearheaded by the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division of the DA-10, the agency is set to cap off this week’s fuel assistance distribution tomorrow, August 20, in Kitaotao town, where P1.212-M will be dispensed to 404 farmers, in the said locality via their DA IMC.# (JLO)