DA-10 is now under new management headed by Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a show of support for the agency’s transition under new management, employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) welcomes its newly installed Regional Executive Director (RED) Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan on May 13, at the agency compound, here.

Pacamalan is designated as RED of DA-10 per Special Order No. 667, issued on May 6, 2024 and signed by Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.

In his welcome address delivered during his first ever attendance to the agency’s convocation, the agri chief exec expressed his optimism for the usual cooperation and support of the DA-10 workforce in meeting the objectives and targets for the delivery of agricultural assistance for Northern Mindanao and to the country, as well.

Likewise, he assured that under his leadership, DA-10 will remain committed to becoming a lead region in the provision of support and services for agri-fishery stakeholders, building on the successes of the NorMin agri department in the past years.

“I hope that as we move forward, we will focus on things that are valued by our farmers and by working together, we can make Region 10 a benchmark for other regions,” he added.

Prior his headship in the DA-10, Pacamalan has obtained an agriculture degree and went on to advocate sustainable agricultural practices and community development in food security efforts.

He is also known for contributing to the rice farming industry by pioneering the Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System and founded the Rice-Duck Movement, Inc. which offers subsistence farmers an organic climate-smart, accessible and more viable rice production system.

Having closely worked with non-governmental organizations in the early 90s, he joined the government service in 2019 and helmed the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Misamis Oriental, serving as the DA’s partner for the said province on the ground.

Also present in support were Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, division and section heads, and personnel of DA-10. # (MPMT)

DA-10 finally secures its PAB accreditation certificate.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) and Feed Chemical Analytical Laboratory (FCAL) of the Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) has finally secured its Department of Trade and Industry – Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB) accreditation certificate.

On May 15, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas handed over the certificate of accreditation in accordance with PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 to ILD chief Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, also in the presence of the former chief of the ILD, Alanita A. Jumalon, DVM.

According to the scope of accreditation, RSL and FCAL have been evaluated and determined to comply with the PAB standards for laboratory accreditation in the field of chemical testing as well as PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements.

The international standard ISO/IEC 17025 sets forth the basic requirements for the capable, unbiased, and reliable functioning of testing and calibration laboratories.

Tuquib said that the accreditation reflects with delivering products and services of the highest quality consistently meeting and exceeding the expectations of the agri clienteles and other relevant stakeholders.

“As we move forward, we must have the commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and excellence, and embrace each other with enthusiasm, determination, and a shared vision of building a brighter future for the organization,” she remarked.

DA-10’s RSL is the second, while its FCAL is the third laboratory among the regional field offices across the country that has been accredited by the PAB.#(MPMT)

DA-10 distributes assorted veggie seeds during the LAB for All caravan led by FL Marcos, in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

EL SALVADOR, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Aiming to ensure food security, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by its Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan distributes vegetable seeds during the Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat (LAB for ALL) caravan on May 16, here.

DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) distributed 5K packets of assorted vegetable seeds, which includes eggplant, pole sitao, squash, kangkong, pechay, ampalaya, cucumber, upo, tomato, and bell pepper.

Through the distribution and accessibility of a wide variety of vegetable seeds, communities can grow their own food; thereby, ensuring its security and sufficiency.

The caravan is an initiative program of the First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos which was attended by various national agencies and the provincial local government of Misamis Oriental under the leadership of Governor Peter M. Unabia.

Present in the activity were DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor B. Savellano, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, and other personnel of the agency.#(MPMT)

Agri-10 welcomes its fourth batch of newly appointed and promoted employees for this year, on May 15, at the agency compound.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Five newly hired and promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took their oath of office on May 15, at the agency compound.

Administering the oathtaking ceremony is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan together with Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas of the following personnel and their corresponding assignments:

Promoted

1. Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM – Chief Agriculturist, Integrated Laboratories Division
2. Samuel C. Natindim, Jr. – Agricultural Center Chief III, Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD), Research Division
3. Alyssa Marie Y. Cailing – Science Research Specialist I, RCHD, Research Division
Newly appointed
1. Lawrence S. Tumapon – Science Aide, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Research Division
2. Ronalyn R. Abistano – Accountant I, Accounting Section, Administrative and Finance Division

Witnessing the ceremony were concerned division chiefs, section heads and other personnel of DA-10.# (MPMT)

Agri-10 and NORMINHOG strengthen areas for collab against ASF.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 continues to intensify its efforts to curb the incidence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao.

This, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan reassured, in a meeting with Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association, Inc. (NORMINHOG) President, Leon G. Tan, Jr. and association members on May 6, at the agency compound.

As a show of support for the newly installed agri chief executive, the swine industry stakeholder reiterated their association’s initiatives that complement DA’s present strategy on the prevention and control of ASF in the region, which include the close monitoring of suspected cases.

DA-10, through its Regulatory Division and Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), also provides guidance and shares best practices on raising hogs and preventing ASF; collection and testing of samples; depopulation; quarantine and other key measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

During the meeting, NORMINHOG also proposed to intensify the joint efforts of the public and private sector on the dissemination of information on ASF, especially to backyard hog raisers to ensure compliance with the set standards and safety measures against the same.

In response, RED Pacamalan said that the DA-10 will revisit its current approach on tackling said disease, putting into consideration inputs from partners from the local government units and the industry.

“We have to revisit our strategies on how we handle [ASF] in the region. We also have to touch base with our local government units, especially those who we deem as high-risk, and consult on the next best steps to take on this,” he said.

Further, the agri chief exec underscored the need for a more proactive sampling and testing, and for an online-based reports system which will consolidate pertinent information on ASF incidence on the city, municipal, provincial, and regional level.

“If we make use of an online reporting system, we are able to generate analytics and visualize the trends in the communities we monitor, which in turn will influence how we at the regional level act and make decisions accordingly,” the DA official added.

Present in support of the meeting were DA-10 Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas, Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Supervising Agriculturist Janniver C. Chua, DVM, Veterinarian III Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM, and members of the NORMINHOG.# (GDA)

DA-10 together with its attached agency, PhilMech, eye for a collaboration on a coco geonet processing project.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) welcomed researchers from Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) on May 15, 2024, to tackle possible collaboration for coconut processing project.

In a meeting with DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, PhilMech and USTP researchers pitch a coconut processing facility project, where coconut wastes are developed and turned into geonets, coco pots, among others.

RED Pacamalan affirms the DA-10’s support of the project considering its viability and the economic potential of coconut industry.

Dr. Andres M. Tuates, Jr., Chief of PhilMech’s Bioprocess Engineering Division, said the project will be very beneficial to coconut farmers in the region.

“PhiMech offered this program to DA-10 since (Northern Mindanao) is one of the top producers of coconut in the country. And I am glad that we have received a positive response from Director Pacamalan. We are excited to work with DA-10 and we are happy that we can serve the coconut farmers in the region” Tuates said.

He added one of the goals of this program is to address problems with coconut waste, at the same time, add value to the waste which can serve as an extra income to our coconut farmers.

Together with Dr. Tuates are Dr. Greg M. Cubio, Director of USTP Research Center and Institute and Dr. Arnil C. Emata, a Research Consultant also from USTP. # (CRS)

Agri-10 culminates the Filipino Food Month celebration with an adobo cooking contest.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In culmination of the annual celebration of Filipino Food Month, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged an adobo cooking competition at the agency compound, on April 30, in this city.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the event serves as an avenue for personnel of the DA-10 to showcase their skill and creativity in cooking the Filipino culinary favorite, as a manifestation of a shared appreciation for the local cuisine, as well as our farmers and fisherfolk who produce the ingredients for said dish.

The event drew representatives from the Department’s eight divisions, all of whom demonstrated their unique techniques, recipes, and innovations for the classic Filipino dish.

Criteria for judging include Taste (50%), Presentation and Innovation (20%), Costing (15%), and Cleanliness (15%).
Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) President and chef Jeffrey G. Limbonhai, who served as lead judge, was accompanied by fellow judges: chef Catherine L. Dano, Bite Me Up Food, Corp. Managing Partner; and COHARA Executive Officer Leonila S. Arguelles.

Declared as the champion of the cooking competition was the Integrated Laboratories Division, which garnered a total score of 86%, followed by the Regulatory Division (81%) as the 1st runner-up, and the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (80%) as the 2nd runner-up.

In closing, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga expressed her gratitude to the judges and her congratulations to the participating personnel of the Department.

Further, RTD Madriaga encouraged them to maintain their appreciation for Filipino cuisine even after the monthlong celebration.

In support of the event were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca; AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman with Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, and staff.# (GDA)

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)