In a recent meeting, DA-10 expresses its support to the Oro Chamber for the forthcoming conduct of the 2022 Mindanao Food Congress and Oro Best Expo, to be held in October 2022.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-FO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, has expressed its support to the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) in staging the 2022 Mindanao Food Congress and Oro Best Expo in this city on October 26-30, 2022.

In a meeting with the DA-RFO 10 Management, Wednesday, June 29, Ruben Vegafria, Regional Director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented the rationale and objectives of the congress and expo.

Vegafria said the Oro Chamber partners with the Embassy of India in organizing the Mindanao Food Congress and Oro Best Expo this year.

The activity aims to gather Mindanao’s agri-fishery and food industry stakeholders in one venue to forge ways forward in transforming, improving and sustaining Mindanao’s food supply chain amid the continuing adversities of the CoVID-19 Pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War.

For his part Director Collado commits to helping Oro Chamber invite esteemed resource persons for the congress and urges DA-assisted Farmer Associations/Cooperatives and partners to be among the expo’s exhibitors.

The Oro Best Expo will feature the best food and agricultural products and services in the food sector, enabling micro, small and medium-scale enterprises in the region to forge future business partnerships and expand their market reach.

Participants of the 2022 Mindanao Food Congress will be attending plenary sessions to explore product and service innovation strategies and learn about government programs and legislation imperative to grow their businesses.

Meanwhile, as a future DA RFO 10-Oro Chamber collaboration, the two entities agreed to look into possible opportunities to further expand the partnership forged by the former with local and foreign partners.

Particularly, the Oro Chamber is eyeing to explore further economic opportunities with AgriGlobal Ventures Food, Inc., a Makati City-based company linked by the DA-RFO 10 to the Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LVFMC) for the supply of fruits and vegetables; Daesang Philippines, Corp., a Korean food processing company buying fresh cassava tubers form the region’s cassava growers, as well as the Korean-funded Smart Greenhouse Project of the DA-RFO 10 for Strawberry, Cherry Tomato and Potato production.#(ATalib)

Agri 10 distributes fuel discount cards to aid corn farmers with the continuous price hike on petroleum products.

MALAYBALAY CITY – In coping with the continuous increase of petroleum products in the country, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao continues its distribution of fuel discount cards to the 1,471 individual corn farmers in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, June 28-29, 2022.

Through DA-10’s Fuel Discount Program, each qualified corn farmer received a discount card amounting to P3K worth of gasoline and diesel fuel.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado noted, that the program maximizes the utilization of the farm machineries for food production in contributing to the region’s food sufficiency.

The initiative is pursuant to the Special Provision No. 20 of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the current fiscal year or Republic Act No.11639.

Under this provision, a total amount of P500 million is allocated to provide fuel discounts to corn farmers, who use machineries in their farming activities.

According to Richan D. Lacanaria, DA-10 Corn Program coordinator that 9,500 corn farmers across the region will benefit from the program with a total amount of P28 million.

Lacanaria emphasized, that the qualified corn farmer-beneficiaries of the said fuel subsidy are listed under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA); and must have owned any farm machinery for corn production, or a member of any association/cooperative that has functional farm machineries granted by any National government agency.

The said farm machineries will then be listed in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS) for inventory purposes.

Zerubaben G. Lorenzo, president of the Aglayan Farmers Beneficiaries, Inc. shared, “Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa fuel subsidy ng DA, lalo na ngayong pandemya at patuloy na pag-usbong sa presyo ng krudo at gasolina. Malaking tulong ito para may pangkrudo na kami sa traktor at corn sheller ng aming asosasyon.”# (EMBentulan)

DA-NorMin launches a hybrid-rice techno demo with the aim to contribute to rice sufficiency through the increased adoption of hybrid rice technology.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) launched the Province-led Hybrid Rice Technology Demonstration in a bid to achieve rice sufficiency through the increased adoption of hybrid rice technology.

In collaboration with 12 private seed companies, a farmers’ association, and the local government unit of Bukidnon, the activity will showcase 17 different seed varieties in barangay Violeta to be planted to a total of 37.5 hectares.

DA-10 Hybrid Rice Techno Demo Project leader Karl Roman O. Wong emphasized, that said techno demo will provide farmers a wider selection of available hybrid seeds suitable in their respective areas.

Farmers will be provided with input requirements as well as technical assistance following the package of technology recommended for a particular hybrid rice variety by the seed companies and rice institutions, Wong added.

“The featured high yielding varieties with their innovated technologies will ensure the agri-sector’s battlecry for an abundant harvest and projected high income of rice farmers towards a food secure country,” said Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Alson G. Quimba.

He added, that the adoption of hybrid technology and coping with technological advancements are keys to contributing to the rice sufficiency levels in the region and country.

Lalawan Abohan Sawaga Simaya Communal Irrigators Association, Inc. Chair Dario C. Adalim expressed, “Sa pamamagitan ng mga techno demo ay malalaman kung anong tamang variety ng palay ang angkop sa aming lugar. Isa itong magandang estratehiya upang mas tumaas pa ang aming kita lalo na ngayon sa gitna ng pandemya.”

Reportedly, Bukidnon is one of the top 15 provinces in terms of hybrid rice seed users across the country.

Also present during the activity were Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Remedios R. Sarzuelo and other DA rice program staff. # (JCAnito)

Agri 10 apprises farmers on SCoPSA with the aim to increase farmers’ productivity and sustainable farming.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Set on increasing farmers’ productivity and sustainable farming, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recently conducted an orientation and briefing on Sustainable Corn Production in Sloping Areas (SCoPSA).

Said training aims for the adoption of sustainable land management in upland areas, where farmers from the municipalities of Talakag, Baungon and Libona, all in Bukidnon province attended.

“This project [SCoPSA] aims to assist farmers to fully and sustainably utilize their sloping land areas and enhance the productivity level of corn farmers on sustainable land use management of corn farmers,” said Warlito G. Barcuma, Region 10 SCoPSA focal person.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado expressed, “As our farmlands are mostly planted to rice and high-value commercial crops, farmers tend to use sloping areas for corn production, thus part of conveying technologies on reducing soil erosion while planting is important.”

The agri official further hoped that more farmers will appreciate SCoPSA and differentiate its advantages compared to farmers’ conventional planting in sloping areas. # (JCAnito)

DA-10 thru RTD Madriaga joins NIA-10’s 59^th anniversary celebration, as they continue to contribute to the region’s efforts towards better water management and crop scheduling.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado attended the 59th year anniversary celebration of the DA-National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on June 24, 2022, in this city.

Underscoring this year’s theme: “Synergy. Sustainability. Security. NIA@59: Conquering the Challenges of the New Normal” tailors the significance contribution of irrigation in the agri development of the country.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga recognized the impact of NIA’s role in ensuring food security and transforming Philippine agriculture through its active contribution to the OneDA reform agenda despite being under the helm of the Office of the President for the past eight years.

She mentioned that the return of NIA to DA as emphasized by DA Secretary William D. Dar would strengthen the region’s efforts towards better water management and crop scheduling.

Further, it will increasingly provide assistance to the rice farmers in boosting production, considering favorable climatic conditions, adequate irrigation, and appropriate technologies.

“By increasing our rice sufficiency we will be able to lessen rice importation. This, in return, will help our farmers to be more prosperous and profitable with our end goal to be self-sustaining. That means we have enough rice supply at the local level adequate for local consumption,” she added.

Highlighting the celebration was the awarding of outstanding irrigator associations regionwide. # (JCAnito)

Pan-ay IPM Kasakalikasan FA, Inc. of Clarin, MisOcc bags the best communal garden award.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) together with the Northern Mindanao Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA), Pineapple Chapter virtually awarded the Pan-ay IPM Kasakalikasan Farmers Association, Inc. in Clarin, Misamis Occidental as the best communal garden regionwide on June 23, 2022.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and PAA Northern Mindanao Pineapple chapter President Carlota S. Madriaga said the contest supports the Plant, Plant program of DA-10 that advocates organic and diversified farming.

She added that the activity is to scale up the country’s food and nutrition security level amidst the pandemic while empowering localities on food production as a source of livelihood.

The top placer received a total worth P77K of agricultural interventions such as free-range chicken (10 modules), garden tools (1 set), wheelbarrow (1 unit), plastic crates (10 units), and 5-in-1 vegetable seeds (30 packets), a cash prize of P15K and a plaque of recognition.

Meanwhile, the Calaocalao Small Farmers Association, Inc. in Don Carlos, Bukidnon garnered second place and received agricultural interventions worth P52K such as free-range chicken (8 modules), garden tools (1 set), 5-in-1 vegetable seeds (30 packets), and wheelbarrow (1 unit), P12K cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

The third place went to barangay Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, and received agricultural interventions worth P38.5K such as free-range chicken (6 modules), 5-in-1 vegetable seeds (30 packets), and wheelbarrow (1 unit), P10K cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

Further, consolation prizes were conferred to other contenders: Sinai Rural Improvement Club Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, and Tangaro Young Farmers in Catarman, Camiguin.

With the establishment of the communal gardens, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that it is an effective way to plant and provide one’s food, especially at the height of the ongoing pandemic.

In March this year, the outstanding communal gardens were rated according to their physical arrangement, utilization of garden space, diversity of crops planted, adoption of technology innovations, and production yield. #(MPMTablon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Fourteen newly promoted and appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) take their oath of office on Friday, June 24 at the agency’s compound here in the city.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado administered the oath-taking of the fifth batch with the presence of Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga who at the same time the Chair of Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board and, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla and concerned division chiefs.

In his message, RED Collado emphasized that one must strive and aspire for growth to contribute to achieving the agency’s vision.

Below is the list of the DA-RFO 10 personnel with their corresponding positions and assignments:

Newly Promoted

1. Lorena V. Duna- Project Evaluation Officer V (Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division-PMED)
2. Wilson V. Lagdamin- Agricultural Center Chief II (Field Operations Division-FOD)
3. Ronald Allan P. Camado- Agriculturist II (Field Operations Division-FOD)
4. Caren A. Libre- Agriculturist II (Regulatory Division)
5. Mary Ann C. Adella- Engineer III (Regional Agricultural Engineering Division- RAED)
6. Rynell Richard U. Pahente- Engineer II (Regional Agricultural Engineering Division- RAED)
7. Julesben Cesar C. Maquiling- Veterinarian III (Integrated Laboratory Division-ILD)

Newly Appointed

1. Sanshynne U. Maglangit- Agriculturist I (Field Operations Division-FOD)
2. Elaine Joy D. Morante- Agriculturist I (Regulatory Division)
3. Meregel J. Pendang- Engineer I (Regional Agricultural Engineering Division- RAED)
4. Tyril Daniel L. Bacas- Laboratory Technician II (Integrated Laboratory Division-ILD)
5. Mary Ann Q. Behiga- Administrative Aide IV (Admin and Finance Division- AFD)
6. Jeanlie C. Valenzuela- Administrative Aide IV (Admin and Finance Division- AFD)

Re-appointment

1. Lowell R. Cambal- Science Aide (Research Division)

RTD Madriaga challenged them to sustain their commitments and dedication in performing their duties and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, RTD Bajarla reminded them to uphold government service in accordance with Republic Act 6713 or the Code and Ethical Standards of Public Officials as an important pillar in the establishment of good governance and ethical conduct of public servants.#(JCAnito)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To provide market opportunities to farmers cooperative and associations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) signs a Memorandum of Agreement with the AgriGlobal Ventures Food, Inc. and the Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LVFMC) on June 20, 2022, held in Cagayan de Oro City.

As stipulated in the agreement, LVFMC will produce and deliver their fruits and vegetables from their production area in Lantapan, Bukidnon to the Laguindingan Airport while AgriGlobal will be buying the cooperative’s products for a year or longer, depending on the needs of the company, on a cash-to-cash basis.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to AgriGlobal for helping farmers sell their products, “Rest assured that DA-10 will continue its support to LVFMC through the provision of interventions that can reduce their production cost and postharvest losses, and hope that their partnership with AgriGlobal will last long.”

The Makati City based AgriGlobal is known for supplying food to restaurants, hospitals, and local government agencies. “We hope that our problem with supply will be solved through this partnership. We are also happy that we are able to support the livelihood of farmers while doing our business,” said AgriGlobal Manager Ricardo M. Guanzon.

On the other hand, LVFMC General Manager Joel T. Rivera expressed, that they are very blessed and fortunate to be able to gain access to more markets not only in Bukidnon, but also outside the region.

The MOA signing was supported by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla and RTD for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.# (AMBManto)

FFS in Impasugong, Bukidnon teaches farmers’ knowledge on corn production with emphasis on integrated crop management cum GAP.

IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – To empower farmers in improving rural food security and income generation, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado launched the season-long Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Corn Production with Emphasis on Integrated Crop Management cum Good Agricultural Practices on June 14 and 16, 2022, this town.

Around 55 farmers from barangay Dumalaguing and sitio Mintapod of barangay Hagpa, convened to form a learning group that will meet weekly for four months, coinciding with their planting crop cycle.

The FFS otherwise known as a “School Without Walls” is a platform for improving the decision-making capacities of farming communities as well as encouraging local innovations for sustainable agriculture, at the same time.

Further, it involves farmers making choices in the methods of production through a discovery-based approach.

DA-10 Provincial Operations Chief of Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM said, that DA supports corn farmers on how to shift toward more sustainable production practices, improve food security, generate higher incomes, and create confidence among participants to improve their well-being.

On the other hand, Senior Agriculturist of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Impasug-ong, Dianne Jane B. Gante conveyed, that the training will reinforce the farmer participants’ knowledge, observations and analysis of their crops and farms which will be an essential tool to make their own location-specific decisions about crop management practices.

The facilitating agricultural extension workers will teach farmers about experimental studies related to Fertilizer Trial, Population Density Trial, Detasseling Trial, and Intercropping Trial.

A pre-and post-test will be conducted as part of every FFS for diagnostic purposes and for determining follow-up activities.

In his message, Mintapod sitio leader Mark Arthur A. Altohan said, “Lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa DA sa mga tulong na naiparating sa amin. Hinihikayat ko ang aking mga kasamahan na seryosohin at maging kooperatibo sa mga programa at proyekto ng gobyerno upang balang araw maipagmamalaki natin ang bunga ng ating pagsisikap.”

The cited activity was initiated by the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) funded by the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) and the Corn program of the agency which is also in support of Executive Order No. 70 of the NTF-ELCAC. #(RDMElloren)

With the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of sabong, DA-10 spearheads a consultation meeting on the guidelines on the movement of gamefowls.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado spearheaded a consultation meeting regarding the guidelines on the movement of gamefowls in Northern Mindanao.

DA-10 Veterinarian II, Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling, DVM shared, that the activity was conducted to address issues and concerns and discuss the additional preventive measures concerning the movement of gamefowls.

The meeting was attended by the provincial, city and municipal veterinary offices, DA-Bureau of Animal Industry National Veterinary Quarantine Services, DA-10’s Regulatory Division and Integrated Laboratories Division through its Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

He added that since the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of traditional cockfighting (sabong), many gamefowl handlers are now transporting their fighting cocks from one area to another.

DA Memorandum Circular No. 16, series of 2022 provides guidance and movement restrictions on several poultry-related commodities across different regions in the Philippines.

Among its salient provisions indicated that transport or movement of gamefowls from MIMAROPA, Visayas and non-affected cities/towns in Mindanao to any part of the country is allowed, provided that a veterinary health certificate and a negative Avian Influenza test result have been secured.

The body proposed on adopting a clustering approach for subject to approval or consensus of the different agencies.

It was further cited that should there be any depletion of test kits, private stakeholders may contribute thru their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by providing test kits and testing fees may also be free of charge.

Tentatively on June 27, another set of consultation meeting is set to tackle the gathered data from different game fowlers from the LGUs. # (RDMElloren)