LGU Valencia receives corn harvester from DA-10

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – Consistent with the farm mechanization agenda of the DA, one unit of corn combine harvester was officially turned over by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) to the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Valencia, on June 10, here.

Funded under the DA-10 Corn Program, the said machinery is valued at Php2.5 million with a 0.55ha/hr capacity.

On behalf of the CLGU, Valencia City Agriculturist Connie L. Dalangan expressed her gratitude for said intervention and look forward to continued collaboration between the local government and the DA.

“Our corn farmers will surely be happy this time because a machinery dedicated to corn is being turned-over to us. We are thankful to DA-10, under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, for their continued support to our farmers here in the city.”

To be an eligible recipent of the
combine harvester, prospective beneficiary must have a minimum of 200 hectares of corn area.

The turnover ceremony was attended by DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman,PhD., together with Bukidnon Provincial Operation Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and DA-10 Rice Program Focal Person Jurrybe J. Lachica. # (CRS)

DA-AMAS stages Market Linkage Caravan in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen buyer-farmer connections in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), through its Marketing Development Division, successfully held the Market Linkage Caravan on June 3 to 6, in this city.

The initiative aimed to create a dynamic platform for sustainable business matching between institutional buyers and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). Aligned with the OneDA Reform Agenda and its value chain development strategy, the activity is part of DA-AMAS’s ongoing efforts to empower agri-enterprises and ensure that producers are directly linked to stable and profitable markets.

The Market Linkage Caravan is a proactive response to bridge the gap between production and market access. It not only supports smallholder farmers in reaching broader markets but also encourages long-term supply agreement and fosters a resilient food system.

Among the participating institutional buyers are the Bio Green Processing and Manufacturing Inc. (Bukidnon) Robinsons Supermarket Corporation (Cagayan de Oro) First Community Cooperative (FICCO) K Urgenia Fruits and Vegetables (Cagayan de Oro) Golden Reliance Foods Solution Food Processors’ Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN) Blue Macay Food Manufacturing Corp., Centennial Food Corporation Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) Farm to Mayani Inc. (MAYANI) and Oriental Garden Restaurant .

Over 20 FCAs joined the caravan and showcased a variety of agricultural commodities, including highland vegetables, corn, cassava, calamansi, coffee, and other fruits. Among the exhibitors are:

Balugto Hope Agroforestry Association Incorporated
Kibenton High Value Crop Farmers Association
Pagsabwahan Ipalambo sa Association
Mindagat Farmers Small Water Irrigation System Association
Mindulao Agrarian Reform Farmers Cooperative
Liboran Samahang Nayon MPC
Linandang Malagana Farmers Association
Lirongan High Value Vegetables Farmers Association
Miarayon Talakag Higland Farmers Association
Imbatug SN MPC
Bayabason Small Coconut Farmers Organization
Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma nga Agraryo sa Kalawitan Agrarian reform Cooperative (KMAK-ARC)
Poblacion Lantapan Multipurpose Cooperative
Lagonglong Integrated Farmers Turmeric Producers producers and Women Association (LIPATFWA)
Sikap San Roque Farmers Association
Paglingkawas Women Federation (PAWFED)
Catumbalon Farmers Association
Kiapo Umalag Farmers Irrigators Association (KUFIA)
Buhat Pahida Pigsabwahan Bahi ta Besigan Association (BUPAPIBA)
Canitoan Farmers Cooperative
MISAD CARP Beneficiary Coop
Lingating 5Cs Agri. Coop
Oro Integrated Cooperative

The market linkage caravan marks a significant stride in advancing the DA’s goal to connect farmers directly to the markets while building an inclusive and resilient agricultural value chain. The initiative not only empowers local farmers but also reinforces the region’s identity as a producer of quality agricultural products.

Moving forward, the DA-AMAS remains committed to expanding market opportunities, promoting agribusiness development, and strengthening the link between production and demand to enhance market access for local farmers. # (NQA)

Agri-10 launches regular KADIWA at Diskwento Caravan market in El Salvador City

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — In its continuing commitment to bring affordable agricultural goods closer to the public, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) launched the weekly KADIWA at Diskwento Caravan (KDC) market on Thursday, June 5, at the agency’s new regional office in Barangay Poblacion, this city.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the KDC initiative aims to strengthen the link between local farmers, fisherfolk, processors, and consumers, thus eliminating unnecessary layers in the supply chain.

The KDC market is set to operate regularly every Thursday at the DA-10 compound, making it a weekly venue for farmers’ cooperatives, associations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and agripreneurs across Northern Mindanao to showcase and sell their products.

By patronizing the KDC market local consumers may purchase a wide array of agri-fishery products, processed food items, and essential household goods, sold at rates more affordable than the prevailing market prices.

During the KDC launching, the neighboring communities availed of rice, vegetables, spices, fruits, root crops, processed fishery products, fresh milk, flavored milk and yogurt sold by the Miarayon Talakag Highland Farmers Association, RBS Universal Grains, Fisherfolk of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture and the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, respectively.

With its weekly presence in El Salvador City, the DA-10 KDC market is envisioned to help ease food accessibility, boost income opportunities for local producers, and create a more inclusive agri-food marketing ecosystem. # (EJLG/Photos supplied)

Villanueva farmers receive P2.6-M hauling truck from DA-NorMin

VILLANUEVA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — As part of its continuing commitment to support postharvest operations and improve market logistics, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-NorMin), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, turned over a hauling truck to the Villanueva Corn-Cassava Farmers Association (VCCFA) on June 5, in Barangay Looc, this town.

The unit, valued at PhP2.625 million, was funded under the agency’s Corn Program, designed to reduce transport-related losses, increase income for smallholder farmers, and improve the overall efficiency of the corn value chain.

Leading the ceremonial turnover was DA-NorMin Misamis Oriental Provincial Operations Center (MisOr POC) chief Wilson V. Lagdamin, Villanueva Municipal Agriculturist Silvestre L. Gorre, Jr., PhD, local officials and officers of VCCFA.

VCCFA Chairperson Virgilio Durog expressed his gratitude to the agency, emphasizing how the vehicle will support the group’s logistical needs, especially in hauling corn and cassava from production sites to buying stations.

“This hauling truck is a great help for our farmers. It will reduce our transportation expenses and ensure our produce reaches the market faster and in better quality,” Durog said.

For his part, POC chief Lagdamin echoed the department’s strong push for cooperativism and rural mechanization, stressing that timely interventions such as this are key to unlocking higher productivity and ensuring better income for farmer organizations.

As a bonafide farmers’ association, the VCCFA remains actively engaged in the cultivation of staple crops, particularly corn and cassava, catering to both local consumers and institutional buyers in Northern Mindanao.# (EJLG)

Kapatagan town receives P3.8-M climate-controlled finisher facility under DA’s INSPIRE program

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a move to revitalize the local swine industry from the impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P3.8 million (M) biosecured, climate-controlled finisher facility to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, under the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program.

Kapatagan Mayor Barry Y. Baguio received the certificate of turnover from DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan during a ceremonial activity on Monday, June 9.

Jamaica L. Docdoc, DA-10”s Livestock Program focal person said, the project will bolster food security, improve farmers’ incomes, and strengthen rural livelihood.

Meanwhille, the Bel-is Farmers Association will serve as the implementing partner, while the LGU will provide technical support and monitoring throughout the project’s implementation.

Aside from the facility, the LGU is set to receive animal stocks, including feeds and biologics to support animal health and productivity in the early phase of operations.

The ceremony was attended by DA-10 and LGU officials, along with representatives from the farmers’ association.

The said development marks another step forward in the government’s efforts to build a resilient, biosecure, and inclusive swine industry in Northern Mindanao.#(ATC/Supplied photos)

Joint strategic planning workshop held to harmonize NRP and RCEF interventions

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN — In a bid to fast-track the harmonization of interventions for rice farmers, the Department of Agriculture’s Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (DA-MRIDP) convened key officials and Rice program implementers for a joint strategic planning workshop held from June 2 to 6, in this town.

DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, Engr. Christopher V. Morales, urged the participants to fully commit to the MRIDP’s vision of increasing yield and cropping intensity while minimizing postharvest losses. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that rice remains affordable, accessible, available, and safe for all Filipino consumers.

The workshop focused on aligning the core strategies of the National Rice Program (NRP) and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), ensuring that timely and efficient interventions reach rice farmers. It also served as a platform to assess the farmers’ needs and address implementation gaps across programs.

Participating agencies presented their respective programs, projects, and targets, including:

Agricultural Training Institute (ATI): extension support, education, and training services

Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech): mechanization services

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM): irrigation services
Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) – financial services
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) – financial services; and
DA-Project Mangement Office – NRP and RCEF thrusts and interventions

Updates were also provided on production support services such as soil health improvement, pests and disease management, and the distribution of certified and hybrid seeds — implemented through BSWM, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the DA-NRP.

Likewise, the regional field offices mapped out their respective targets and activities in line with the allocation and interventions provided by implementing agencies.

With Northern Mindanao as the host agency for the event, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga also highlighted Region 10’s flagship project under the Rice program — the Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System Technology — which is currently being piloted in its five provinces. The initiative aims to reduce production costs while promoting the production of safe and affordable rice.

The workshop gathered Rice program coordinators from CAR to Region 13, along with representatives from various DA-attached agencies and bureaus, including ATI, PhilMech, PhilRice, BSWM, NIA, financial institutions such as LBP and DBP, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).# (MGBS)

Post-harvest facilities from DA-PhilMech to boost rice quality, farmers’ productivity in Misamis Occidental

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Rice farmers in Misamis Occidental are expected to benefit from improved rice quality and increased income following the inauguration and turnover of modern post-harvest facilities from the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilmech) on June 4.

Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Mechanization Program of DA-PHilMech, a Rice Processing System (RPS) comprising of multi-stage rice mill and recirculating dryers (two units in Tangub City) was turned over to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Misamis Occidental.

The facilities worth PhP39.4-million (M) were established in barangay Sta. Cruz, Tangub City and Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City.

Engr. Edgar B. Testa, Cluster Head for Mindanao-A of DA-PHilMech, said that the facilities aim to minimize post-harvest losses, improve grain quality, and increase the market value of locally produced rice.

He added that the project will support local rice farmers by improving processing efficiency, reducing grain losses, and enhancing the quality of milled rice.

The centerpiece of the facility is a 20-meter by 50-meter warehouse, provided as a counterpart by the PLGU MisOcc along with the land.

Standing at 14.2 meters high, the warehouse houses the 1.5 tons per hour capacity multi-stage rice milling equipment and the 6 tons per batch capacity recirculating dryers.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan of the DA-Regional Field Office 10, emphasized that the department is implementing integrated strategies such as the provision of post-harvest facilities, and subsidies for fertilizer and rice seed to reduce production costs and ensure affordable rice for consumers.

He further noted that said efforts aim not only to lower farming expenses but also to gradually restore soil health and increase agricultural productivity.

Importantly, DA-10 is responsible for accrediting qualified beneficiaries for these interventions, ensuring that support is channeled to eligible farmers and cooperatives.

MisOcc Governor Henry S. Oaminal hailed the RPS as a historic development, being the first of its kind in the province.

He emphasized that the project was realized through the collaborative efforts of the PLGU and DA-PHilMech, with the PLGU providing the necessary counterpart support.

The RPS is expected to help local farmers and cooperatives enhance their productivity, improve product quality, and expand market access, ultimately contributing to the long-term goal of a more competitive and sustainable rice industry in MisOcc. # (ATC with reports from Engr. IMadjus/Supplied photos).

DA-10 supports Buk’non-based garden advocate at 50th Gawad Saka Awards

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), supported Junah Bayag, a national finalist at the 50th Gawad Saka Awards held recently at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

Bayag, representing Northern Mindanao, was honored in the Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture – Macro Garden Category for his exemplary efforts in sustainable food production through his initiative, Jaya Secret Garden (JSG), located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Recognized as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-RTC 10), JSG integrates vegetable and fruit farming, aquaculture, and free-range poultry. This diversified approach promotes food self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability in an urban setting.

As part of its continued support, DA-NUPAP has provided farming inputs to the garden, including UV film, plastic mulch, A-net, plastic crates, and water drums. These resources aim to strengthen urban farming initiatives and empower agripreneurs contributing to food security and resilient communities.

Held under the theme “50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda,” the event honored the dedication, innovation, and resilience of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk—recognizing their vital role in nation-building.

DA Assistant Secretary for Operations and Gawad Saka Vice Chairperson U-Nichols A. Manalo, in his message, lauded the awardees for serving as role models and pillars in revitalizing the agriculture sector under the banner of “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” under President Marcos’ administration.

Also recognized during the ceremony was Nilda B. Salas, chairperson of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), on her stint as the Farmer-Director of the DA-10 for the month of May. DA-10’s NUPAP Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo was also in attendance to show regional support.

The said awards is a testament to the often unsung heroes of the nation’s agricultural sector, highlighting stories of perseverance, patriotism, and innovation.# (NQA)

DA-10 broadens KADIWA ng Pangulo reach in El Sal, CdeO cities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its ongoing efforts to promote food security, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic growth, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) has expanded its flagship KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) in El Salvador City and at two new sites in CdeO City–at The PHILPOST in Macabalan and Camp Alagar in Lapasan–on May 30.

The KNP initiative serves as a direct marketing platform that links local farmers, fisherfolk, and small-scale producers directly with consumers – primarily government employees and surrounding communities–ensuring access to affordable, high-quality, and locally sourced products while augmenting the income of rural producers.

Spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), KNP is designed to operate twice monthly, aligning with employee salary release periods to optimize consumer turnout and market activity.

By facilitating farm-to-consumer trade, especially within urban areas, the KNP aims to strengthen agricultural resilience, reduce postharvest losses, stabilize food prices, and empower agri-based enterprises. This is in line with President Marcos’ thrust of making the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic development.

During the launch, a range of exhibitors showcased their goods:

* Miarayon Highland Farmers Association – assorted vegetables, fruits, and spices
* Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives – fresh and flavored milk
* RBS Universal Grains, Corp. – rice
* MK Trading – fresh and processed fishery items
* SLERS – chicharon
* Beehive – essential goods
* Pathfinder – essential goods

Through the KNP, the DA-10 continues to scale up its agri-sector potential across the region by invigorating economic activities, at the same time creating inclusive, self-sustaining food systems that benefit producers and consumers alike.# (NQA)