DA-NTA unveils a five-year roadmap for STEP during the first ever Mindanao Tobacco Industry Summit, held in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – To lay down a fresh perspective for Mindanao’s tobacco industry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) unveiled a five-year roadmap for the Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP) during the first Mindanao Tobacco Industry Summit, Thursday, January 25, in this city.

Tobacco industry key players, particularly tobacco farmers and local government executives from tobacco-producing provinces in Mindanao such as Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Agusan del Sur, attended the summit for a multilateral dialogue in mobilizing Mindanao’s Tobacco Industry Development Plan.

DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano said the summit is a significant event to tackle strategic national initiatives for the expansion of native tobacco production in the southern part of the country.

As a potential export commodity, he stressed the viability of native tobacco in contributing to the country’s revenue and foreign exchange earnings, support to the local economy and in sustaining tobacco farmers’ livelihood.

Under the STEP, NTA is set to rev up Mindanao’s tobacco industry by closely working with LGUs to strengthen and expand the existing tobacco areas, aiming for sustainability of the industry.

Within a five-year period, NTA will implement projects such as irrigation and water management, provision of farm machinery, value-added processing and marketing assistance, credit and financing, training and capacity building for tobacco farmers as part of Mindanao’s tobacco industry development plan.

Based on NTA’s data, Mindanao accounted for 7.5 million kilograms of tobacco produced in the country in 2023, which sold for an average price of P379 per kilogram.

The record also showed that the industry has been providing livelihood to at least 2.1 million Filipinos.

In 2022, the tobacco industry is among the main contributors to government revenue with P160 billion in excise tax collection.

In the same year, around P74 billion worth of fund derived from tobacco excise tax was earmarked for the government’s universal health care program.

Recognizing the challenges in the tobacco industry, DA Undersecretary for BARMM, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan urges for a forward-thinking strategy to sustain the industry.

He pushed for collaboration between government bodies and the business sector, while involving the farmers in the discussion.

NTA administrator Belinda S. Sanchez and other NTA key officials, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and local chief executives of tobacco-producing towns and provinces also graced the said event.# (ATT)

DA-PRDP breaks ground for the construction of a facility for Damulog town

Successive groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) for two IREAP subprojects (SPs) in the municipalities of Damulog and Pangantucan, Bukidnon on January 15.

The ceremonies marked the start of the construction of the facilities for the Crumb Rubber Processing Facility of Migcawayan Tribal Agriculture Cooperative (MTAC) in Damulog, Bukidnon worth P 80,971,551.00 and the Coffee Processing Facility of Bayanihan Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative (BMPC) in Pangantucan, Bukidnon worth P36,399,247.44.

DA-10 Regional Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado expressed his joy in witnessing the two activities in a day.

He challenged the LGUs, the cooperatives and the contractors to work hand in hand for a faster project implementation, following the timeline.

“Our line is open for clarifications, concerns, and even for assistance. May the LGUs, take this as an opportunity for the start of the progress of your municipalities. For the cooperatives, we hope that you will continue your harmonious relationship and cooperation with your coop with the guidance, support and leadership of your mayor,” Director Collado shared.

He further stressed that the coop officers should be watchful with their members and should be transparent in their financial activities.

Importantly, he reminded the contractors to see to it that timelines and targets are met which can be achieved in working together.

“If this project will be successful, more cooperatives will follow suit, and look up to you as a model,” Collado added.

Meanwhile, Damulog Mayor Melino L. Buro is ecstatic that the crumb rubber facility will be a legacy for the municipality and the province of Bukidnon.

“I am so grateful for this project because this will be a legacy for Damulog. I also commend MTAC for pursuing the start of this project. We hope for more future engagements with DA-10, because we aim for the development of the municipality.” Mayor Buro said.
Pangantucan Mayor Miguel A. Silva also challenged his fellow colleagues, the BMPC, and the contractor to complete the SP within the year.

“Let us go hand in hand not only for today, but every day. Let’s share these blessing to the farmers that may this project become one of the reasons to entice more farmers to venture into coffee farming,” Mayor Silva said.

The two SPs are funded under Additional Financing 2 and the European Union and are expected to finish construction within 2024.# (MIACA)

DA-PRDP 10 spearheads the conduct of a pre-con for the execution of IREAP subprojects.

To level off with all of the stakeholders with implementing rules and regulations of the project, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducts a preconstruction conference for two IREAP subprojects (SPs) in Bukidnon on January 16.

These SPs include the Crumb Rubber Processing Facility of the Migcawayan Tribal Agriculture Cooperative (MTAC) in Damulog, Bukidnon worth Php 80,971,551.00 and the Coffee Processing Facility of the Bayanihan Millenium Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMMPC) of Pangantucan, Bukidnon worth Php 36,399,247.44, both of which are funded under the Additional Financing 2 and the European Union (AF2-EU).

The DA-PRDP 10 team oriented the stakeholders as to the requirements of the different components and units for the SP implementation.

Through this, the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders will be established and this will fast-track the implementation and meet the scheduled physical and financial accomplishment for the subprojects.

DA-10 Regional Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado, encouraged the stakeholders’ full commitment for a smooth SP implementation.

“I ask the concerned Local Government Units, the proponent groups, and the contractors for your full cooperation to achieve faster completion of your respective [sub]projects within the year,” Director Collado said.

Also present at the said conference are the representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office Bukidnon, contractors, the representatives of the PGs, and staff of DA-PRDP 10.# (MIACA)

BJMP pays a visit to DA-10 as they target to implement agri-related projects for PDLs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the tutelage of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado was visited by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) led by Jail Chief Inspector Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez on January 16, as the latter eyes to implement pilot agri-related projects for PDLs.

Together with Jail Chief Inspector Sanchez were Jail Officer II Marie Ann Candie T. Andoy and Jail Officer I Menorah Rose D. Contayoso, who have discussed with RED Collado their initial plans for the availment of seedlings and free-range poultry that would mainly benefit the persons deprived of liberty (PDL).

Accordingly, the agri chief exec laid out the different programs and projects of the agency such as the provision of farm animals, planting materials, farm machinery, equipment and facilities, infrastructure and market development support, among others.

Dir. Collado further urged them to identify the priority need of PDLs and to draft a project proposal, underscoring that their request will, later on, be validated for DA-10 and its attached agencies to come up with appropriate interventions.# (TJL)

DA-10 supports LGU Catarman for its urban agriculture and small=scale veggie production initiatives.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds and garden tools to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Catarman, Camiguin on January 18, at the agency compound.

This, in support of the LGU’s ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan’ program that aims to engage elementary students and teachers in urban agriculture through small-scale, school-based vegetable production.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan handed over assorted (Pinakbet) vegetable seeds and garden tools such as light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo to LGU-Catarman Municipal Agriculturist Joseph F. Navales.

According to Navales, the provisions will benefit two select schools in the municipality, namely: Alga Elementary School and Tangaro Elementary School, both of which were adopted by the LGU in 2020 as pilot schools for the urban agri program.

“We saw the great impact of the program, including the students from both schools. It is our goal to inculcate in their minds the great benefit of small-scale urban agriculture, especially in addressing food security,” Navales said.

He added that the assistance received from DA-10 is eyed to increase the current production and success of the gardening setups of both schools.# (GDA)

NBSC collaborates with DA-10 on research initiatives related to high-valued crops and products.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to collaborate with the Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) for its research initiatives.

As such, the NBSC research team met with DA-10’s Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD and High-Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan in a courtesy meeting on January 16, at the agency compound to discuss research details and procedures.

NBSC Research Team Leader Mary Koren W. Acuesa, PhD explained that they are currently conducting a research on “COCONET: Connecting Coconut Farmers to New Markets and Traders, in collaboration with the Office of Senator Pia S. Cayetano, which aims to assess the status of coconut farmers in Northern Mindanao.

Moving forward, the academe is also set tie-up with the agency on the project, “Engendering Climate Resilience and Sustainable Valorization of Bukidnon Indigenous Food Products,” also known as Project MOCHA (Management of Coffee, wild raw Honey and Adlai) in partnership with the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) and the local government units of Manolo Fortich and Sumilao.

Said project is under a grant from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) from the Government of Canada which aims to add value to said food commodities and promote sustainable agriculture.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado shared, “The collaborative efforts of DA-10 and NBSC are aligned with the commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation towards a positive impact on society.” # (AMBManto)

Agri-10 continues to support the Gulayan sa Paaralan project of the different educational institutions in CdeO City with the provision of agri-inputs and tools.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Consistent with its goal to draw the agriculture sector closer to the youth, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) continuously supports the Gulayan sa Paaralan Project of educational institutions in CdeO City.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over on Friday, January 19, 4 pieces light hoe, 25 pieces plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces shovel, 4 pieces weeding bolo, and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds to Ivy Joy Enerio, Tinagpoloan National High School’s (TNHS) disbursing officer.

Enerio said the garden tools and farm inputs provided by DA will be utilized in maintaining TNHS’s existing school garden.

She added that such initiative is particularly relevant for the students to appreciate the value of farming and be of help in their household.

In light of its goal to achieve food security in the region, Dir. Collado affirmed DA-10’s continued support to urban agriculture initiatives of the government and private organizations.

He said the department is keen on introducing and encouraging city dwellers to engage into alternative gardening methods to produce safe and affordable food at their own homes.# (ATT)

Agri-10 provides P2-M in check through its Kadiwa Financial Assistance Program to the municipality of Munai.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure efficient means of transporting agricultural products from farms to markets, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed over P2 million (M) in check to Munai, Lanao del Norte (LDN), Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) Charion B. Mayo on January 19 at the agency compound.

Through DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) under its Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program, the procurement of transport and delivery vehicle project has a total project cost of P2.5-M, of which DA-10 provided P2-M, while the remaining P500K is counterparted by the said LGU.

According to Dir. Collado, the transport and delivery vehicle, plays a crucial role in benefiting farmers in the municipality, which will provide a reliable and efficient means of transporting agricultural products from farms to markets or processing facilities.

“By ensuring timely delivery, farmers can minimize postharvest losses and maintain the quality of their produce. This does not only maximize their profits, but also helps meet the increasing demand for fresh and high quality agricultural products,” he conveyed.

In an interview, MAO Mayo expressed his gratitude to DA-10 for the financial assistance they received that would empower and develop the agricultural programs of the town.

“Such project will be used for the enhancement of our KADIWA program in Munai. Wherein, our farmers will be able to deliver farm products from their farm to the Munai town center and the ongoing wet market and multipurpose building, including those markets that will be provided to us by other government agencies,” he said.

He added that this will help reduce the cost of transportation and also be able to reach those barangays that are difficult to reach due to the condition of the roads.

The procurement of transport and delivery vehicle project is also aligned with the objective of the KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) program, which seeks to enhance the competitiveness of local agriculture while improving the livelihoods of farmers. #(RDME)

Agri-10 thru RTD Madriaga turns over the P9.6-M trading post to the city government of Malaybalay.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To sell the agricultural products of farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turns over the P9.6-million (M)trading post to the City Government of Malaybalay in Bukidnon, on January 17.

Located in the market site of Barangay 9 of said city, this will serve as a trading post for farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) to increase productivity in agricultural and fishery production in localities.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the project aims to establish a centralized marketing platform that is accessible to link farmers to consumers ensuring the availability and accessibility of food commodities in high consumer demand areas.

Under the leadership of DA’s Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., modernization of agriculture and digitalization are among the priorities in his administration, in which the farmers should coordinate, converge, and cooperate for the project to be successful from the national down to the local government units, Madriaga added.

Out from the total project cost, CLGU Malaybalay counterparted P4.6-M and DA-10 provided P5-M funded under the Marketing Development Services of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Over 10 identified FCAs producing vegetable, spices, processed foods, and livestock by-products will benefit from the project, enabling them to link producers directly to consumers.

Also, the City Economic Enterprise Development Office (CEEDMO) of Malaybalay will be in-charge in the operation and maintenance of the facility.

One of the beneficiaries of the facility, Marlyn J. Gallardo, chairman of the Vegetable Growers association said that through the trading post many farmers can expand their opportunity to sell their agricultural commodities and will to help elevate the economy of the city.

[Pinaagi sa trading post, daghang mga mag-uuma ang mopalapad sa kahigayonan sa pagbaligya sa ilang mga palaliton sa agrikultura ug tinguha sa pagpataas sa ekonomiya niining syudad.]

Malaybalay City mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran emphasized that the government continues to provide facilities to support and encourage the farmers to be more resilient and proactive, urging careful planning to address and enhance the resilience of farmers against challenges.

Attending the event were Vice-Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Sangguniang Panglalawigan Committee on Agriculture Alan Ryan O. Legaspi, DA-AMAD Agriculturist II Helen M. Roldan, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Engineer III Alden C. Tapio of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), and other city officials.#(MPMT)

Gov’t. agencies with DA as the lead agency, convene for the finalization of the food security cluster in preparation for El Niño.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Bracing for the impact of El Niño which is forecasted to take a full swing this year, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU), called for a meeting to finalize the composition of Food Security Cluster on January 19, in this city.

DA-10 Field Operations Division chief and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) focal person Luz I. Guzman, PhD said that the meeting aims to finalize the structure of the Food Security Cluster which is responsible for giving assistance to the farmers and ensuring availability of food in the onslaught of the El Niño.

Likewise, she emphasized on the inclusion of other agencies as directed by the national DRRM through Memorandum Circular No. 5, Series of 2023 which creates a local El Niño team, particularly on the food sector with DA as the lead agency.

It also underscored how the DA, including other government agencies with the different local government units and other relevant agricultural stakeholders should converge, collaborate and cooperate in order to achieve the interventions set by the food security cluster.

The body also agreed that an action plan for mitigating the effects of El Niño should be presented by the agencies in the next meeting along with the submission of names of their respective focal persons and their alternates, and the regular conduct of meetings.

Said activity was attended by representatives from the different regional agencies which include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Food Authority (NFA), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Also in attendance are Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project -10 (MIADP-10) Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas, DRRM alternate focal person Gay Nanette M. Aleria, DA-10 CERRMU focal Sherafin Simon P. Calacar and other staff. # (CRS)