Agri-10 gathers FT operations in its yearly assessment.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) convened the food terminal (FT) operators in Region 10 for its annual assessment and planning workshop on September 12, 2023, this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that through the assessment, the Department can better understand the operational status of the food terminals across Northern Mindanao, and provide guidance and support to boost its productivity.

He added that the event also serves as an opportunity for FT operators to share best practices in operating their food terminals.

Twenty barangay and municipal FT operators from the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental presented updates on their operations, finances, and related issues and concerns.

AMAD Supervising Agriculturist Ferdinand F. Caraballe said, “These facilities and equipment are provided by the government for us to better serve our communities. Let us align our efforts of keeping our food terminals operational with its intended purpose which is to ensure easy access to fresh, high quality, and reasonably-priced agricultural produce.”

Updates and concerns raised during the plenary will be shared with the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service during a coordination meeting for FTs slated later this month.

Supporting the event were DA-10 Provincial Operations Center Bukidnon chief Janeth D. Lopez, DVM, and AMAD staff.# (GDA)

Korean government agency’s EPIS visits DA-10’s SMART Greenhouse Project to evaluate the status of said project implementation.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – A team from the Korean Government’s Agency in Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (EPIS) led by Prof. Park Sauk Hee visited the DA-Region 10’s Korean-funded SMART Greenhouse Project through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on September 6-7, 2023, in this city.

As the implementation of said project culminates this year, the field inspection is the final visit of the EPIS, which aims to evaluate the status of the project implementation and gauge the project’s milestones in relation to the agricultural development agenda of the Philippine government.

In a dialogue with the Korean delegates, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga underscored the impact of the SMART Greenhouse project as a precursor for the expansive adoption of SMART farming in Northern Mindanao.

“Within our capacity, we introduced necessary interventions to sustain the project and assist our farmers in replicating the technology on a smaller and more manageable scale. The innovations we instituted in implementing the project are self-discoveries,” she said.

To promote SMART farming technology, Madriaga added that the agency has trained numerous farmers and accepted hundreds of agriculture students for their on-the-job training in the said facility.

As part of the project evaluation, the Korean delegates interviewed farmer leaders assisted by DA-RFO 10 through the said project.

The team also visited a farm owned by a farmer-beneficiary who grows Capsicum by employing greenhouse technology.

The EPIS experts commended the agency’s initiatives in helping the farmers develop locally viable SMART farms by drawing inspiration from the Korean SMART greenhouse.

The Korean delegates also expressed DA-RFO 10’s optimal utilization of the project as an education center for farmers, particularly in honing and educating young farmers.

As a way forward, the Korean experts stressed the importance of a “sense of ownership” to ascertain the SMART Greenhouse Project’s sustainability.

While acknowledging other areas for improvement, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conveyed his optimism about the success of the Korean-Philippine collaborative project.

As he thanked the DA’s Korean counterparts, Collado averred that DA-RFO 10 welcomes future collaboration with the Korean government.

Also present during the occasion are DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division chief Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, Regional Crop Protection Center chief Lucille T. Minguez, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan.# (ATTalib)

Region 10 agencies reveal their efforts relative to the implementation of EO 39, or the imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, together with the concerned agencies, bares its efforts amid the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 39 or the imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice, in a media interaction held on Thursday, September 14.

Said issuance by President Marcos, who concurrently acts as the head of the agri department, is in response to easing the brunt on consumers on the surge in the retail prices of rice, setting price caps for regular milled rice at P41 per kilogram and P45/kg for well-milled rice.

In over a week of its implementation, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga reported that there is an adequate supply of rice for the region saying that the total supply for the month of September is recorded at 190,192 metric tons (MT), which can satisfy the 61,015 MT requirement of NorMin based on its population, leaving with an ending stock of 129K MT good for 88 days.

With the padded costs that it takes to produce rice, the assistant director added that DA continues to provide support to rice farmers through the provision of seeds, fertilizer and fuel subsidies, and cash and mechanization assistance, as well as the conduct of regular monitoring in the movement of rice stock inventory in the different DA-Bureau of Plant Industry-accredited warehouses across the region.

As part of its directive to monitor and investigate abnormal price movements, RTD Madriaga underscored that the agency is also tasked to issue a notice of non-compliance for those rice retailers who fail to adhere to the mandated price ceilings and as such, will not qualify for cash assistance being accorded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Ang hatagan ang micro rice retailers affected by EO 39. Pasabot katong namaligya, nag follow sa EO 39, kay we understand nga mahal ang ilang pagpalit [sa bugas] and sa EO 39, barato ang ilang baligya, so naa sila’y lugi so mao nang naa si DSWD para sa financial assistance,” Julie Nieva, DTI-10 information officer pointed out.

She clarified that per definition, micro-enterprises are those businesses with an asset of less than P3 million and have less than ten employees.

Reportedly, the payout has started on September 13 for the first batch of benefitting micro rice retailers, while the trade and industry spokesperson emphasized that more payouts will follow, as there are more rice retailers with stocks that need to be verified and monitored in the market.

With the city identified as a major hub for the distribution of rice, the City Government of CdeO has also conveyed through Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy, co-chair of the city’s price coordinating council, and Councilor George Gualberto S. Goking, on the initiatives and plans of the local government in light of the enforced price caps on rice.

It has initially rolled out a weeklong selling of rice at much lower rates imposed under EO 39 at the City Hall, and they eye to continue such activity in strategic areas, and even in the remote parts of the city.

“Atong gi-adopt ang mantra sa DTI nga consumer welfare and protection, so tungod niana naningkamot kita nga ang atong konsumante, kitang tanan konsumante man, matabangan without sacrificing usab ang atong business sector,” Atty. Uy remarked.

Still, under DA’s wing, the National Food Authority-10 supports the imposition of rice price ceilings through the deployment of their quality assurance officers offering technical assistance on rice classification in terms of its milling degree.

On one hand, the law enforcement agency through the Philippine National Police-10 has so far conducted 24 activities to intensify awareness as well as monitor compliance with the existing price caps for rice.

On the other hand, the Department of Labor and Employment-10 can extend assistance to agribusiness, retail, and trade, among others through their integrated livelihood and employment program.

Recognizing that lean months are inevitable, DA-10 RTD Madriaga pins her hope that starting this September, when rice farmers are starting to harvest, will help improve the region’s current market prices for rice.

“Ang bulk and peak gyud sa atong harvest is naa sa October and November nga kung atong basehan, moabot na siya until December nga dunay tay local palay production with 113% sufficiency level…kay gawas sa local production naa pa gyud tay moabot nga imported. Mao na masiguro sa consumers sa NorMin nga dili ta mahutdan og bugas,” the DA official assured.# (JLO/Photo credits: MPMTablon)

Agri-10 through its F2C2 program facilitates the linking between institutional buyers and F2C2 clusters for potential market. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, through the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, conducted a stakeholders meeting on September 7, 2023, in this city.

Said meeting aims to link the farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) from the different provinces in Northern Mindanao to potential institutional buyers who need supplies of various produce.

The institutional buyers include the National Food Authority (NFA), Misamis Oriental – Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, San Miguel Foods, Inc., and Bestfriend Goodies.

In her message, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria hopes that this activity paves the way for future marketing agreements between the FCAs and the institutional buyers.

“We wanted to provide a solution to one of the problems of our FCAs, which is the lack of market for their produce,” said Aleria.

Also joining the said meeting are representatives from the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division-10, who assisted the buyers and FCAs through market matching and the roundtable discussions.# (CRSeraspe)

DA promotes agri programs, interventions in InfoCar Mis Or

INITAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in collaboration with the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Misamis Oriental (PAO-MisOr) conducted an Information Caravan for MisOr on September 8, in barangay Apas, to promote the different programs and interventions toward agricultural development.

This was participated by the farmers and agricultural extensionists from the towns of Villanueva, Manticao, El Salvador, Laguindingan, Tagoloan, Salay, Lugait, Initao, Lagonglong, Opol, Tagoloan, and Balingoan.

In her message, Mary Grace B. Sta. Elena, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) chief said that the InfoCar is the fourth leg to be held across the region, which aims to bring information and updates to the grassroots level, in order for the movers of the agri industry to avail, benefit and maximize various forms of assistance from the agri department and its partner agencies.

She added that the event also serves as a platform to solicit inputs in order to help improve and accelerate the implementation of DA’s projects and services.

Highlighted in the info sortie are updates on the programs, projects and interventions of DA-10 and PAO-MisOr; and El Niño: Its Effect on Agriculture and Mitigating Measures.

Other topics focused on Animal Health and Disease Management with emphasis on African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian influenza; livestock and crops insurance under the Philippine Crops Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), and the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief of MisOr Wilson V. Lagdamin likewise underscored that farmers and other relevant agri clienteles should signify their intent to gain access from the roster of support from DA through the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is a basic requirement.

Lagdamin further stated that additional documentary requirements will then be requested following such submission depending on the criteria set per form of agri assistance.
Spearheaded by DA’s info arm, RAFIS, the activity was also supported by Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Regulatory Division chief, and Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Field Operations Division chief. # (JLO)

Agri-10 convenes with rice retailers in Oro for the execution of EO 39.

City gathered in a convergence meeting on Thursday, September 7 called by the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 to ensure the implementation of Executive Order 39 or the imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice.

President Marcos’ issuance of EO 39 mandates a P41 per kilogram price ceiling for regular milled rice and a P45/kg price for well-milled rice in the markets effective September 5, 2023.

It mandates a coordinated effort among various agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings; intensify the fight against hoarding and illegal importation of rice; and take measures against cartels to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, chair of the Bantay Presyo Task Force together with other concerned national line agencies monitor the implementation of the said order.

In coordination with the City Price Coordinating Council of Cagayan de Oro City, the meeting aims to determine the situation in the major markets of the city and educate the retailers in determining the physical characteristics of milled rice.

Larry E. Paraluman, chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA-10 emphasized that the convergence initiative of the agencies in Region 10, comprising of DA, LPCC of CdeO, DTI, NFA, DSWD, PSA, DILG, DA BPI-PQS, Oro Chamber, DOLE and PNP is to determine the issues and concerns of the retailers.

“This meeting facilitates in-depth discussion, which will serve as the groundwork for the Regional Bantay Presyo Task Force to consolidate findings and provide recommendations to the President regarding the execution of EO 39,” Paraluman added.

Atty. Edgardo Uy, chair of CPCC stressed that one of the primary objectives of the meeting is to disseminate information on the Price Act which will enable the CPCC to proactively recommend potential problem-solving measures to implementing agencies, including the provision of technical training on rice classification.

Assistance programs from DSWD and DOLE to affected rice retailers were discussed but still awaiting the implementing guidelines.

Meanwhile, the DTI has started profiling rice retailers who will be possibly affected by the mandated price ceiling.

Franklin Dagkuta, president of Cogon Market Rice Retailers expressed its support with hopes of receiving the government’s assistance.

The Bantay Presyo Task Force has agreed to meet on September 11 for updates on the monitoring conducted. #(ATC)

The Convergence Initiative of the rural development agencies pushes for an improved RBME system.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) conducted a writeshop for the initial drafting of the Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) System Manual on August 29 to 31, 2023, in this city.

The said event was attended by members of the National Technical Working Group (TWG), Knowledge Management Component Working Group, and the Regional Convergence Initiative – TWG composed of the Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10), DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10 (DA-BFAR 10), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-10), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10).

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and RCI-TWG focal person Carlota S. Madriaga underscored the importance of the workshop in assessing the impact of the NCI-SRD’s interventions through the attainment of its short – medium, and long-term goals.

Further, she reiterated the directive of the current administration which is the convergence of existing programs, projects, and activities of the different rural development agencies to increase its collective impact and benefit for the public.

The three-day writeshop focused on drafting and establishing the rationale, legal bases, and purpose of the manual, the history of the NCI-SRD Strategy Framework, the NCI-SRD Theory of Change Model, as well as the short-, medium-, and long-term results indicators for the RBME system.

DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom, PFT, PhD who leads the NCI-SRD National Secretariat thanked the members present for their active participation in drafting the said document.

She added that the exchange and discussion of technical information by the participants provided insight into the decisions and agreements at the end of the workshop, thereby contributing greatly to the finalization of the manual by the first quarter of the following year.# (GDA)

The agri department in NorMin spearheads an exit conference for participatory monitoring and tracking of projects.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) conducted an exit conference for the joint Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and AFCs to monitor and track the progress of DA-funded programs and projects on September 1, 2023, in this city.

Said conference aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the implementation of various agricultural and fisheries projects funded by DA.

The provincial AFCs of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental presented their respective updates.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized the significance of the participatory approach in promoting inclusivity and empowering local communities.

“The joint effort between PCAF and AFCs has allowed us to gather valuable insights directly from the communities that are benefiting from our programs. Feedback enables us [in the agency] to make informed decisions and adjustments to better serve the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao,” said Director Collado.

During the conference, participants reviewed the outcomes of the Participatory Monitoring Process, which involves engaging local communities and stakeholders in assessing the impact and effectiveness of DA-funded initiatives.

This is to ensure that the interventions provided are aligned with the needs and priorities of target agri-fishery communities.

The body further agreed that DA must revalidate the projects monitored, particularly those with issues and concerns that need to be addressed.

Present during the activity are Cyril L. Soliaban, officer-in-charge, deputy executive director of PCAF, RAFC 10 chair Nilda B. Salas and staff, DA-10 officials and programs staff, and other AFCs across NorMin.# (DLVicente)

DA-10 through its AMAD supports the registration and certification of NorMin agribiz enterprises.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducts a Facilitation in the Registration/Certification of farmers’ associations, cooperatives (FCAs) and young farmers’ agribusiness enterprises, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Twenty-one FCAs and 16 young farmers across Northern Mindanao attended the activity, which aimed to inform on the legal aspects of running a business, which is crucial to ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, streamlining administrative processes, and enabling these entities to better contribute to the agricultural ecosystem.

Said activity focused the discussion on the process and documentary requirements for the registration of their business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); product packaging and labeling with DTI; and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices for food operators.

Also presented were the steps for enrollment into DA-10’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), and Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation, which will overall allow the participants to benefit from DA-10’s various interventions and services as well as serve as the department’s development partners in the implementation of agri-fishery projects.

With the activity at hand, DA-10 AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman is hopeful that they will maximize the opportunity to access the available resources and support, in order to foster sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen market linkages.

Also attending the event were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, AMAD senior agriculturist Rosell P. Tuba-on, and other agency personnel.# (MPMTablon)

DA-10 is set to provide cash assistance thru RCEF-RFFA to the rice farmers in NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to distribute around 6,497 cash cards for its sixth batch of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance in Northern Mindanao through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Said cash cards were turned over by Northern Mindanao area manager William B. Parantar of the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and DA-10 Rice program coordinator Chona H. Nacalaban.

Using the cash cards, eligible rice farmers will receive P5K cash assistance under the RCEF-RFFA as stipulated under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

This initiative aims to help cushion the impact among rice farmers, especially on increasing production costs; thereby, contributing to lowering prices of rice. # (AMBManto)