DA-10 ManCom members and Info Management Section personnel undergo orientation on PNPKI.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To maximize technology in streamlining the agency’s transactions, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) underwent an orientation on the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) on February 13, at the agency compound.

Said activity was attended by the Management Committee (ManCom) members and personnel from the Information Management Section of DA to learn, understand and potentially adopt the PKI technology.

PKI, one of the core services offered by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) refers to an infrastructure that secures communications among individuals and government entities paving the way to a much safer, faster and more efficient delivery of services via online transactions and using digital certificates.

Together with Acmilah Macabuat, Information Technology Officer II, Bret D. John Morales, Planning Officer II of DICT highlighted that at the heart of PKI is the use of issued and digitally signed digital certificates by a Certificate Authority (CA), wherein PKI authenticates the data source and ensures data has not in any way been tampered with in transit.

“In this digital age, it is timely and relevant for us to maximize communication and information technology to allow remote approval of signatories within our department. Not only it will streamline our processes, but it will also help in improving turnaround times, aligning with Republic Act 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado remarked.

Further, Republic Act 8792, otherwise known as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 provides for the legal recognition of electronic signatures and imposes strict requirements before an electronic signature qualifies as a handwritten signature.

The DICT team also underscored the importance of online privacy with a focus on data handling as well as online safety against various cybersecurity threats at the same time gave time to briefly demonstrate the signing of documents using the PKI to have an overview of the process.

DICT is the government CA providing the necessary services in implementing the national certification scheme for digital signatures to promote the development and mass use of e-government services at the same time tackle authentication, integrity and non-repudiation concerns.# (JLO)

Agri-10 eyes to increase AI tech’s cash-calf incentive from P100 to P500 for every calf born alive through AI.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Following the effectivity of the revised implementing guidelines on the operationalization of the Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Livestock Program, held the UNAIP forum at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) on February 15-16, in this city.

The forum revolved around the salient amendments on Memorandum Order No. 04 series of 2023 – the “Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Grant of the Artificial Insemination Cash-Calf Incentives (AICCI) under the UNAIP for Large Ruminants”.

Under said Order, eligible Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians in the region will now receive P500 worth of AICCI from the previous P100 for every calf born alive through AI.

DA-10 Regional AI Coordinator, Johnson C. Petalcurin said AI technicians are also required to submit geotagged photo documentation as stipulated in the Order.

Hence, the side-by-side conduct of geotagging training along with the forum.

He added that the UNAIP forum is an avenue to assess the accomplishments of the different provinces and municipalities in terms of AI technology.

Moreover, it also allows AI technicians to share experiences and exchange good practices in addressing common problems they encountered on the ground.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga stressed that the impact of AI technology in the region needs to be measured and documented as research-based and science-based references.

“When we gather these data, it will serve as our guide on what aspects need to be improved, and what aspects need to be continued. We will then propose projects for the development of AI as a result of the conducted study,” she said.

She added, “We are already far in terms of promoting AI but we can still move forward. We need to have convergence, coordination, and collaboration with the livestock industry stakeholders so we can successfully implement projects that can further develop our AI technology.”

Madriaga stressed that DA-10, headed by our Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado will continue to support and assist the livestock industry in the region.

UNAIP is a program of the DA that aims to elevate the large and small ruminant industries in the country with the help of artificial breeding.

This provides a strategic direction in the current efforts of promoting AI and harmonizes the tasks of the national livestock agencies namely, the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, and DA regional field offices.

These agencies are also expected to be frontline in carrying out efficient and effective livestock breeding programs and producing quality genetic materials through AI technology.

The UNAIP forum was participated by AI technicians from the different municipalities in the region and provincial AI coordinators of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

Also present in the forum are Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulation Cora A. Dumayaca, chiefs and representatives of the DA-10 provincial operations centers and DA-10 research stations, and DA-10 Livestock Program staff headed by their focal person, Jamaica L. Docdoc. # (CRS)

DA-10 provides agri inputs to boost food security efforts of schools.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado continuously advocates for food security by allocating vegetable seeds and garden tools to help schools encourage their students to grow fresh crops.

On February 16, Joel S. Rudinas, Deputy Project Director of the Mindanao Inclusive Agricultural Development Project (MIADP) together with DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan handed over the said interventions to Uliser B. Tual, personnel of the Local Government Unit of Aloran, Misamis Occidental on behalf of the Aloran Trade High School (ATHS).

The interventions given were 25 pieces of plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces of shovel, 4 pieces of sprinkler, 4 pieces of weeding bolo, 4 pieces of light hoe, and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds.

Tual expressed his gratitude for the DA-10’s support of ATHS’ school gardening project allowing their students to grow and harvest their food.

Dir. Rudinas urged the students to expand and maximize their food production initiative through the distribution of seedlings to other households in the area to ensure food availability.

“It is not only the students who will benefit, but also the parents, who can avail themselves of the nutritious food that they will reap someday,” he added.# (MPMT)

DA-10 launches the first-ever Onion derby in Oro to boost onion production in the region and at the same time promote farmers’ adoption of various onion farming technologies.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To showcase different onion varieties, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with the City Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro, the Office of Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd district and private seed companies, conducts an Allium Derby and Farmers’ Forum on February 15, in Tablon, this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado highlighted that the event aims to boost onion production in the region and promote farmers’ adoption through the showcase of various technologies.

“When the cost of onions soared last 2022, it became a challenge for us, and so we decided to come up with this Allium Derby. We hope that through this, our production of onion will improve and we will become self-sufficient,” he added.

Likewise, Dir. Collado committed to allocating onion seeds and fertilizers to the Kiapo Palalan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. (KIPAFIA), the farmers’ association (FA) tapped to assist in the derby.

KIPAFIA president Marylou P. Aljo shared, “It became a learning experience for all of us, including the seed companies, since it was our first time to plant onion in the area and we found that it is suitable for onions.”

She further noted that the onions benefitted from the greenhouses, as they provided protection from heavy rains as well as from the irrigation systems as they needed constant watering.

The FA president also mentioned that they are open to more farmers who would like to try to adopt the technology and rent their greenhouse for Php500 per month.

On behalf of Congressman Rodriguez, Atty. Craig Vincent Tibon, head of the Community Sectoral Affairs Unit, pins his hopes that the derby will bring progress to more farmers in the locality.

Meanwhile, private seed companies who have participated in the derby include the Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Allied Botanical, Corp., and FA Greenseeds Corp., where each company was assigned to one greenhouse at 1,000 square meters each.

Following a field tour, the produce of each seed company was judged and Allied Botanical, Corp. was awarded “Biggest Yield Volume in Kilogram” and “Best Quality.”

“We are thankful to DA for pushing this great event. Through this, we are able to see the potential of onions in region 10,” shared Florencio Bellita, Marketing Development Specialist of Allied Botanical, Corp.

Following this, another onion derby will be held in DA-10’s research stations, such as the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on February 22, and Research Center for Hillyland Development in Claveria, Misamis Oriental on March 21, this year.# (AMBM)

DA-PRDP 10 spearheads pre-con conference for the stakeholders of Coco Sugar Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject.

Tubod, LDN – In preparation for the construction of a new IREAP facility, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 holds a Pre-construction (PreCon) conference for the stakeholders of the Coconut Sugar Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject (SP) on February 14, this town.

DA-RPCO10 project director Carlene C. Collado, emphasized that as co-owner of the project, the PGs, the contractor and the LGUs have their own specific responsibility to render from the very start of the project construction until its operation and maintenance.

Director Collado further said that “there are only two directions that are possible for this SP, it’s either up or down. In order to attain a smooth and successful implementation, we must follow the established protocols and guidelines.”

The participants are also encouraged to raise concerns about the SP implementation and iron it out before the construction commences.

The coconut sugar processing facility, amounting to PHP 6,896,000, is one of the interventions included in the Php 16.21-M worth SP.

The said SP is funded under the Additional Financing 2 and will benefit the 357 members of the Mindanao Cooperative Trades and Industries (MCTI).

In a separate interview, MCTI Chair Narciso P. Paitan shared that he has high hopes for the future of their cooperative now that the facility is underway.

“My hope for the cooperative is that when the facility is realized, we can maintain the sustainability of our enterprise and attain our target, which is the increase in income of our individual members, especially our coconut farmers from Php 8,528 to Php 21,616.”

Paitan emphasized that this is also the key to encouraging other members to patronize their cooperative and will invite more members into MCTI.

The SP’s groundbreaking ceremony, held on the same day as the conference, marks the start of cocosugar enterprise SP implementation. #

Agri-10 boosts F2C2 partnership with national government agencies through the conduct of a coordination meeting.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To strengthen and forge potential networking and interventions among partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducted a Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Coordination meeting on February 15-16, in this city.

Partner agencies such as the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DA attached agencies and bureaus, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Dairy Authority (NDA), and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), convened to assist in the implementation of various programs and projects that would enhance market opportunities, economies of scale, and improved access to resources for the region’s clustered farmers and fishers.

According to DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria, the activity is a venue to know the programs of the partner agencies that are tailored fit to the F2C2 program.

“By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, these agencies can offer valuable support and interventions to address the specific needs of the farming and fisheries sectors,” Aleria said.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga extended her gratitude to the agencies involved in contributing their various approaches and endeavors to attain sustainable and effective farming and fishing practices under the F2C2 program implementation.

“We need to have one mind, one heart and one advocacy in order to effectively and efficiently implement the programs of the agency, though the agri stakeholders are coming from different affiliations.” Madriaga conveyed.

The DA’s F2C2 program seeks to advance the interests and conditions of Filipino small farmers and fishers by encouraging them to adopt the strategy of clustering and consolidating their production, processing, and marketing activities as community business enterprises.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado the strengthened partnership not only enhances the overall competitiveness of the agricultural sector but also ensures that the benefits of development are shared more equitably among all the stakeholders in the region.

Also gracing the activity is DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca together with Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, and Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM.# (RDME)

Agri-10 turns over more than P842K agri interventions to Mambajao, Camiguin.

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – Bringing a package of interventions to the island province, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) turned over more than P842K worth of agricultural inputs and farm machinery to the Local Government of Mambajao on February 16, at the Municipal Hall, of this town.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Senior Agriculturist Richan D. Lacanaria led the turnover of agri assistance to Mambajao town mayor Yñigo Jesus D. Romualdo for use and distribution of LGU Mambajao to its constituents, comprising of farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and schools, in the locality.

According to RED Collado, said provisions are also aligned with the capital’s agenda in providing access to healthier and nutritious food for all, and at the same time aiding in further promoting and developing the agri sector of the municipality and province as well.

Particularly, some P796.5K worth of Corn program-funded assistance was accorded to the town, which is composed of 2 units corn sheller (P300K per unit), 29 bags of hybrid yellow corn (DK8899S) seed (P6K per bag at 9 kilos), and 15 bags of Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seed (P1.5K/bag at 20 kl), to boost the municipality’s production of quality corn for food and feeds.

Pooled from the department’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) funds, LGU Mambajao also received assorted vegetable seeds and garden tools amounting to almost P46K, which are set for the food and nutrition security initiatives of Agoho and Quibiro elementary schools.

Additionally, 11 bags of complete (14-14-14) fertilizer were provided under HVCDP’s Community-Based Farm Enterprise Development Program by intercropping cacao and coffee under coconut among high-valued crops farmers.

Still from the same fund source, 22 crates were further turned over to the town for the transport and storage needs of farmers’ harvest.# (Photo supplied/JLO)

Agri-10 carries on in turning over agri inputs to LGUs, including Guinsiliban, Camiguin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, continues the provision of agricultural inputs, this time, to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Guinsiliban, Camiguin on February 15.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca handed over eight pieces each of light hoe, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo, 50 pieces of plastic seedling tray and six packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seed to Guinsiliban municipal agriculturist Galvin E. Ladao.

According to Ladao, the provisions will benefit the schools in their locality, namely: Liong Elementary School and Maac National High School.

In which, both schools are active in urging their students to choose agriculture in their higher education, and with the former also implementing the Department of Education’s Gulayan sa Paaralan project.

The municipal agriculturist added that their office is not only looking into the availment of said agri inputs, but also tapping other government agencies or institutions for scholarship programs and ultimately, have more youth take on the path to having an agricultural profession.

“I hope that the things [agricultural inputs] given to you, you will take care of them, because in this, you may find to love what agriculture is. Without agriculture, there is no food. May you find the light to venture into pursuing an agricultural education.” Ladao conveyed to the benefitting Guinsiliban schools.

Pooled from the 2023 funds, the turned over seeds and garden tools are realized through DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program. # (TJTL)

PRDP-IREAP 10 hosts the Cacao strategic planning workshop for cacao proponent groups.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project RPCO 10 through Project Director and Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado holds a Cacao strategic planning workshop for cacao proponent groups on February 13-16, this city.

Ameroche Caba, PRDP-PSO Organizational Development Specialist said that the output of the workshop is a valuable input to the Mindanao region’s strategic directions for the cacao clusters.

These include coming up with a strategic plan for Region 10 and creating a steering committee that will oversee the implementation of the said plan.

Some members of the Balaoro Farmers Association , Inc. (BAFA) of Kadingilan, Bukidnon, and Bugcaon Kulasihan Manupali Irrigators Association (BUKUMA IA) of Lantapan, Bukidnon were capacitated to focus on setting the direction of the regional cacao cluster, including the challenges and strategies for collaboration.

It further emphasizes the formulation of vision, mission, and strategy tools like strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats which is vital in the development plan.

The workshop is in preparation for the Mindanao CAFÉ (Convergence of Agriculture and Fishery Enterprise):3rd PRDP Consultation and Workshop for Cacao Proponent Groups on the third week of February in Davao City.

Partner agencies supporting the activity comprised the Department of Trade and Industry 10, DA-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, with the LGUs and DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program and Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2).#

Agri-10 encourages youth’s interest in agriculture through the provision of agri inputs through Malasalug Elementary School’s Gulayan program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the growing concern over aging Filipino farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) continuously supports the Gulayan sa Paaralan projects of primary and secondary schools in Northern Mindanao, as part of its effort to foster the younger generation’s interest in agriculture.

The DA-10 provided garden tools and vegetable seeds packages to Malasalug Elementary School of Sapad town in Lanao del Norte, on Wednesday, February 14.

The provision which includes 4 pieces light hoe, 25 pieces plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces shovel, 4 pieces sprinkler, 4 pieces weeding bolo and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds, was handed over by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga and received by Sapad OIC-Municipal Agriculturist, Fawquiah A. Acmad on behalf of the school.

Dir. Madriaga said the DA acknowledges the importance of youth involvement in advocating inclusive agricultural development in the region.

“The youths play an important role in our effort toward food security. At a young age, they must be taught practical means to produce safe and affordable food for themselves and their family,” she said.

The DA-10 vowed to continue supporting other educational institutions in the region who are planning to establish a school garden within their vicinity.# (ATT/Photo supplied)