DA-10 supports emerging rabbit industry in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, bares the agency’s plans to expand support for the growing rabbit meat industry in Northern Mindanao.

In a recent interview facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency – Northern Mindanao (PIA-10), the agri chief exec conveyed that the department sees rabbit farming as a promising alternative to traditional sources of meat. It provides an affordable and healthy option for consumers, while benefiting the needs of both farmers and the market.

“We need to develop practices that are easy to understand for our growers and conduct further research. We also need to improve consumer perception, as rabbits are often seen only as pets, but they can also be a viable source of protein,” said RED Pacamalan.

The DA official added, “Exploring alternatives like rabbit farming is essential. We look forward to prioritizing it in the coming years, including educating ourselves and our team to ensure we have the necessary technical knowledge to support rabbit farming.”

By the end of this year, the DA plans to strengthen its support for the establishment of breeding stocks and enhancing the technical expertise of local farmers. The goal is to solidify rabbit farming as an integral part of the country’s meat industry, contributing to the country’s food security and sustainable agriculture.

Further, the agency eyes to help rabbit raisers market their products through KADIWA centers located in strategic areas across the region.# (MAC)

Opol town to benefit from KADIWA-funded trading post

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aiming to provide access to fresh and quality produce, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turns over PhP4.5 million (M) check to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Opol on March 18, here.

Out from the total of PhP5-M, the said amount is the first tranche of fund release under the agency’s KADIWA Financial Grant through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), which aims to establish a trading post in Opol town that will serve as a major consolidation and trading point for various agricultural products from production areas within its nearby areas.

With an overall project cost of PhP6.25-M, the PhP5-M grant will be used for the construction of the trading post while the LGU of Opol will provide a counterpart of PhP1.25-M. The remaining PhP500k, however, will be granted upon liquidation of the initial funds released.

The local government office shared that the project will benefit at least 75% of the total 5,300 registered farmers and fisherfolk which includes 5 farmers’ cooperatives, 5 fisherfolk’s associations, and 44 farmers’ associations.

Handing over the check is DA-10 AMAD OIC-chief Mae Carmela G. Fabela along with DA technical consultant Joel S. Rudinas to the LGU of Opol team headed by Municipal Agriculturist Eddie C. Maape, Jr and Danilo R. Yana from the Municipal Treasurer’s Office.

Said initiative also forms part of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr’s ten-point agenda of improving and expanding local market access in a bid toward achieving food security and developing the agri fishery sector. # (AMBM)

Agri-10 conducts joint validation to potential Buk’non bens for agri support

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted a joint validation on March 11 to 13, in Bukidnon province, to assess and identify eligible farmers’ cooperative, associations (FCAs) for its agricultural machinery, equipment and input assistance.

Said activity, led by the Corn program, is undertaken together with the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program and the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), validating 12 potential farmer-group recipients producing corn, cassava and soybean for priority availment of agri support under the said program.

The validation team visited FCAs from the towns of Talakag, Maramag, Kalilangan, Manolo Fortich and Libona, all of Bukidnon province. These farmer-groups clamored for the availment of agri assistance ranging from recirculating dryer, corn sheller, cassava chipper, cassava granulator, soybean sorter machine, farm tractor, moisture meter, vacuum pack sealer, hauling truck, pumps and engine set, and farm inputs.

Assisted by the municipal agri offices of the concerned towns, officials and members of the different FCAs, the DA continues to extend farm machinery, equipment and input assistance to enable farmers to augment their productivity, thereby escalating their livelihood and income.# (JLO/Photos supplied)

DA-10 backs CdeO’s RSBSA caravan thru seeds provision

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) turns over vegetable seeds to the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO) of Cagayan de Oro City on March 17, here.

This initiative forms part of APOO’s upcoming Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) Caravan which aims to facilitate farmers’ registration for the RSBSA, at the same time provide vegetable seeds to strengthen local food security.

To support the registration drive, DA-10 HVCDP Focal Kersten S. Pagalan turned over 50 repacked assorted vegetable seeds to APOO RSBSA Focal Lovely Z. Lura, in support to enhance the livelihood of farmers in barangays Tablon, Baikingon, Tagpangi, and Bugo.

The RSBSA a registry system for farmers which aims to collect, organize, and manage data of agri stakeholders. By serving as the basic requirement in receiving DA programs and services, the RSBSA streamlines assistance delivery and ensures that resources reach those who need them most. # (AMBM)

Agri-10 supports RDC-RGADC outreach initiative for women’s month celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the ongoing women’s month celebration, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through its Women Employees’ Association (DAWEA) and Gender and Development (GAD), participated in an outreach program organized by the Regional Development Council – Region 10 (RDC-X) and its subcommittee, the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC), in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Region X at the Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Female Dormitory (CDOCJ-FD) on March 13, here.

Through this initiative, over 303 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) received small gifts, hygiene kits, and food. The activity also showcased the creativity of the PDLs, who have prepared handcrafted fuzzy wire flowers, keychains, wallets, cakes, and pastries to the various stakeholders during the event.

With the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas ng Bagong Pilipinas,” the event highlighted the significance of providing support, empowerment, and rehabilitation mechanisms for women, fostering a sense of dignity and hope for the future.

The program was led by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) alongside other line government agencies, emphasizing the importance of gender inclusion and rehabilitation programs for women and marginalized sectors. # (MAC)

DA-10 upskills NorMin social workers on edible gardening

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In solidarity to celebration of the 2025 Women’s Month, the DA-Regional Field Office 10 through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) recently trained the women employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 10 (DSWD-10) on edible gardening.

Ronald Ian Camaddo NUPAP alternate focal person together with his team capacitated the DSWD-10 employees on the fundamentals and benefits of urban gardening, particularly the requirements in starting urban garden as well as the kinds of vegetables that can be planted in an urban set-up.

The participants were also apprised on soilless farming through hydroponics system.

After the training, the participants were given string beans and squash seeds as a start-up kit to give urban gardening a go.

The NUPAP is a specialized program of the DA designed to ensure the food security while promoting healthy living for the populace in the urban and peri-urban communities.

The program promotes sustainable food production by capacitating urban dwellers in producing safe, nutritious and affordable food for their own consumption. #(ATT)

DA-NorMin’s BAC secretariat undergo gov’t procurement refresher

Cagayan de Oro City – To retool and keep its secretariat abreast with the fundamentals of the government procurement procedure, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) Bids and Awards Committee-A.1 (BAC-A.1) holds a refresher cum orientation on Monday, March 10.

The activity allows the BAC-A.1 secretariat to revisit the salient provisions of the Republic Act 9184, its Implementing Rules and Regulations and amendments, in adherence to the DA-NorMin management’s call to uphold a timely and efficient procurement process.

Led by the BAC-A.1 head secretariat, Engr. Luz S. Liloc, the refresher allows the secretariat members to review the prescribed procurement procedure from pre-procurement conference until issuance of Notice to Proceed (NTP).

The secretariat were also reminded to avoid error in the entire procurement process by familiarizing themselves with the documents required for specific procurement, and to practice extra prudence in reviewing the bid documents submitted by prospective bidders.

Moreover, the members of the secretariat were directed to abide with the minimum procurement timeline in the procurement of agricultural goods for the programs and projects implemented by the Office.

The BAC-A.1 secretariat is composed of organic DA- NorMin’s personnel from the Field Operations, Administrative and Finance, Integrated Laboratories, Regulatory, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance, and the Regional Agricultural Engineering divisions, and Office of the Regional Director.

The BAC-A.1 is chaired by DA-NorMin’s Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, and is tasked to oversee the office procurement of agricultural goods such as farm machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, animals, seeds, fertilizer, planting materials, garden tools, veterinary drugs and animal feeds.# (ATT)

DA-NorMin joins 1Q nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) participated in the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday, March 13, at the agency compound.

Following the directives under NDRRMC Memorandum No. 06, Series of 2023, the nationwide drill resumed face-to-face execution to assess the readiness of government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and communities in responding to earthquakes.

During the drill, all DA-10 personnel simultaneously performed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” technique at the sound of the alarm, facilitated by the security personnel on duty and assigned marshals per operating unit area. This exercise aimed to instill proper safety measures and improve response coordination in the event of a real earthquake.

The NSED is conducted quarterly to enhance public awareness and preparedness, ensuring that agencies and individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to secure public safety and mitigate risks during seismic events.

DA-10 remains committed to reinforcing disaster resilience within the agency and the agricultural sector by participating in such initiatives.# (EJLG)

R-10’s aggie dept, COA undertake exit, entrance conference

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a move aimed at fostering transparency and accountability in the audit process, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened with the Commission on Audit (COA) 10 – National Government Agencies (NGAs) Cluster 8 Team 7 for the conduct of an Exit and Entrance Conference on March 12, here.

Per COA Memorandum No. 2024-011 dated October 21, 2014, the exit con shall be conducted prior the transmittal of year-end audit reports, which includes the formalization of the audit finding recommendations.

It is also adheres to COA Memo No. 96-054 dated December 2, 1996, which aims to ensure fair and balanced reporting, safeguard the correctness of audit findings once finalized, and importantly, to facilitate the acceptance and implementation of these audit findings. Further, it ensures that the audited entities have an opportunity to clarify, respond or take corrective actions based on results.

COA State Auditor V and Regional Supervising Auditor, Josie J. Rodriguez, highlighted the significance of the conference: “All comments and suggestions for improvement noted in this activity will be incorporated into our final Management Letter, which will then be submitted to our supervising auditor at the [COA] Central Office. This will be consolidated into the annual audit report for the whole of DA, and posted on the COA website for the public,” she explained.

The exit con centered on the audit observations and recommendations issued in CY 2024, comprising of financial audit, Projects, Programs and Activities (PPA) Evaluation, specific audit instructions, among other observations and matters, to solicit comments from the DA management headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan on the proposed findings and recommendations.

“This [conference] will become a guided input on how we can improve the delivery of services to our farmers.” said the agri chief exec, noting it will act as a springboard for the DA-10 workforce to become more effective in implementing programs and interventions at the grassroots level in collaboration with local government units.

Following the exit con, an entrance con was held, focusing on the terms of audit engagement, audit key areas, audit timelines, and procedural requirements and documentation to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process where it aligns with the agency’s directive of boosting agricultural productivity, lowering food costs, attaining food security, and making farming a more viable investment.
The overall aim of these activities is in line with Article IX-D of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates the COA to examine, audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to government revenue, expenditures, and the use of funds, including the DA as an NGA.

“An effective audit function lies in trust and open communication, and I encourage all of you to see us [audit team] not as auditors, but as your partners in progress. Your insights, cooperation and feedback will be invaluable as we work together to strengthen our systems and processes.” Atty. Sittie Aina D. Sirad-Amerol expressed, as she capped off the event, who is poised as the next audit team leader. # (JLO)

DA-10 refines 2026 proposed budget to advocate poverty reduction

Cagayan de Oro City – To align its 2026 programs, activities and projects (PAPs) with the national priorities, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao convened its banner programs and special projects, and other operating units to refine its proposed 2026 budget Tuesday, March 11, here.

At the main, the budget proposal refinement aims to strategically position the agricultural interventions of the DA-NorMin in line with the national government’s goal to lower the country’s poverty incidence to 9% in three years time.

DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan stressed the need to reinvent the office’s budget planning by linking strategic activities to focus the DA’s resources in areas with high poverty incidence in the region.

“Our target in the next three years is to contribute to single digit poverty incidence. As we review our plan, we need to identify interventions that can reduce farmers’ cost of production and increase their income.” RED Pacamalan emphasized.

Apart from poverty reduction, cost efficiency and increased farmers’ income, the DA-NorMin gauge the viability of its proposed 2026 PAPs in terms of increased production for balanced nutrition, established feasibility, reducing import dependency, and technical and absorptive capacity of its operating units.

Specifically, the agency strived to quantify the impact of the proposed projects to abate the effect of poverty and malnutrition while increasing the farmers’ production capacity.

The refined 2026 proposed budget will be finalized upon issuance of the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) budget ceiling.

The budget proposal refinement was also attended by Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, chiefs of the different DA-NorMin divisions and local government representatives.

In a seprate forum on March 12, the DA-NorMin is set to dovetail its PAPs with that of the DA-attached agencies, bureaus and corporations in the region to craft a programmatic, targeted, outcome-based and coordinated agricultural development plan for the years 2026-2028.# (ATT)