DA-10 fuels up 377 Lantapan farmers’ agri machinery with PhP1.13-M assistance

LANTAPAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) released around PhP1.13-million (M) worth of fuel assistance to 377 farmers on November 22, in this town.

Said figure is part of the estimated 159,617 farmers nationwide set to benefit from the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project (FAtFP).

In coordination with the DA and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), said project under the Special Provision No. 19 of the FY 2023 General Appropriation Act (GAA), aims to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on farmers through the provision of fuel assistance.

Each farmer received a DA Intervention Monitoring Card with credited PhP3K to defray for their fuel expenses.

Farmers, to qualify as beneficiary, should own or lease operational machinery enrolled in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

Moreover, beneficiaries must be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and/or encoded in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS).

However, farmers who are not yet registered with the RSBSA can still avail the assistance, provided that they enroll.

Benedicto S. Oroyan, a rice farmer who owns a floating tiller (turtle handtractor) from Kulasihan, Lantapan, expressed his gratitude to the agency for the fuel subsidy.

“Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa DA sa ilang gihatag nga fuel assistance sa akong turtle [handtractor]. Dako na kaayo ni nga tabang sa akoa kay dili ko makapalit sa krudo.” (I am very grateful to the DA for the fuel assistance because this saves me from buying gasoline), said Oroyan, in an interview.

Present also in the distribution led by the DA-10’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) were the Municipal Agriculture Office of Lantapan and personnel from the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC) as DBM’s FinTech partner.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 Agribiz capacitates MisOr, Buk’non FCAs on agripreneurship

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted a capability building on agribusiness viability and financial preparedness to farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) as potential beneficiaries of the Agri-Entrepreneurship Capability Enhancement Assistance (AECEA) program, on November 22, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, here.

Per Republic Act No. 11321, otherwise known as Sagip Saka Act, the DA is directed to strengthen its farmers and fisherfolk enterprise development program (FFEDP) to achieve sustainable modern agriculture and food security.

Pursuant to its mandate, the agency aims to provide a comprehensive package of support to help FCAs become viable business partners with agro-industry players, improve their business acumen, and strengthen agri-fishery enterprise development services.

In his opening remarks, AMAD assistant chief, Ferdinand F. Caraballe, emphasized that the DA-AMAD 10 is committed in equipping FCAs with the knowledge and skills needed for their enterprise success through topics such as SWOT analysis, digital agriculture, and strategies to enhance entrepreneurial skills.

On working smart by maximizing the use of technology, DA-10 Information Technology Consultant, Noel M. Degamo, tackled DA-10’s web-based information system, a platform that facilitates the monitoring of crops grow and its planting and harvesting schedule, potential market tie-ups, and requests for interventions and support from the DA.

For his part, Caraballe also underscored to the FCAs to treat any government support from the DA as business opportunities, noting that every time they earn, they accumulate savings.

Overall, participants engaged in focused group discussions, drafting of business proposals, and consultation of their proposed enterprises.

Key officers and members of the FCAs, namely: BALUGTO “Hope” Agroforestry Association, Inc., Pag-ugmad sa Kaugmaon Agriculture Cooperative, and Cogon Gardeners Association (COGARAS) were in attendance.

Further, they underwent enterprise profiling and assessment and are halfway through their Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation, a key evaluation requirement for cooperatives and associations seeking financial grant assistance and other forms of support from the DA.# (MAC)

DA-10 strengthens support for animal welfare in NorMin

LANAO DEL NORTE – Aiming to capacitate stakeholders in the protection and promotion of the welfare of all animals, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regulatory Division, staged a training for the Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers (AWEOs) from November 19 to 21, in Lala town, here.

In her message, Veterinarian ll of the Regulatory Division Kristine B. Paño, DVM, emphasized that the training equips the officers with the skills needed to protect animals, enforce animal welfare laws, and advocate for ethical treatment.

“This prepares you [AWEOs] to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding animal welfare while fostering a respectful and humane society,“ she said, addressing particularly the attendees from the Philippine National Police and local government units from Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental, and the City Veterinary Office of Iligan.

As provided in Section 10 of Republic Act (RA) 8485 as amended by RA 10631, the Secretary of the DA shall authorize trained AWEOs from non-government organizations, community organizations, citizens groups and other volunteers. Additionally, it stipulated the deputation of law enforcement agencies as well as the local government units, who will be responsible in the seize and rescue of illegally traded and maltreated animals, and arrest violators of the said law, adhering to the legal guidelines on arrest and detention.

During the training, the DA-10 Regulatory Division also partnered with resource speakers from the Bureau of Animal Industry-10 (BAI-10) to highlight discussions on Animal Welfare concepts, roles and responsibilities of AWEOs, animal welfare violations, cases management, and the analysis of case studies through simulation exercises and actual case exposures.

The capbuild likewise enabled participants to share their insights and learnings through workshops, group discussions, and presentation of group outputs.

In closing, Paño noted that the agency will continue to provide services dedicated to enhancing knowledge and skills aimed at promoting animal welfare and the implementation of laws that protect the most vulnerable.# (EJLG)

DA-NorMin, PLGU Lanao Norte breaks ground for Kadiwa ng Pangulo Center

LANAO DEL NORTE – Following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Program, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), held a groundbreaking ceremony with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Lanao del Norte (PLGU Lanao) for the construction of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Center on November 15 in Tubod town, here.

Per agreement between the agency and PLGU Lanao Norte, DA-10 will grant PhP5-million (M) of the total PhP7-M worth of Kadiwa Trading Post Enterprise, while PLGU Lanao Norte will provide the land, site development, and initial working capital as project counterpart.

The soon-to-rise building will provide a venue for local farmers and fisherfolk to directly sell their produce to consumers without market layers, thereby strengthening food security by making agri-fishery products more accessible and affordable.

Present during the event were Lanao Norte Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo, Vice Governor Allan J. Lim, DA-10 AMAD Market Development Section chief Mae Carmela G. Fabela, Provincial Operations Center chief Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo, Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Jalandoni B. Pitiilan, and representatives from the municipal agriculture offices of PLGU Lanao.# (EJLG/Photos supplied)

DA-NorMin upskills farmer groups on processing, marketing of squash and sweet potato-based products

ILIGAN CITY — Geared at upscaling the capability of local food processors for value-adding, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted a consultation meeting cum workshop on the market potential of Halal squash puree and sweet potato paste, on November 18 to 19, in this city.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Halal Food Industry Development Program (DA-HFIDP), with the support of the City Agriculture Office of Iligan City, the activity drew participants from different farmers groups and associations here, who were apprised on the key stages in post-production of both commodities, particularly marketing value-added squash and sweet potato products.

DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief for Lanao del Norte Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo, who also serves as the alternate focal person of the HFIDP, said that the training aligns with the program’s goal to enhance the capability of local producers of Halal products, further underscoring its economic advantage seen to benefit existing and potential consumers and entrepreneurs.
For the two-day activity, DA-10 has partnered with ready-to-eat food enterprise Best Friend Goodies, represented by Jude Andrea Eve Maternal, who facilitated the workshop on producing squash puree and sweet potato paste.

Relating her experience with their enterprise, Maternal said that the value-adding process better equips local producers to access and serve a wider market for their produce, particularly consumers with interests in nutritional and ready-to-eat food items.

The DA-HFIDP, launched in 2018, is among the Department’s banner programs that aims to develop the country’s Halal Industry and enhance the global competitiveness of existing and potential exporters of Halal products, processes, and services.

In Northern Mindanao, DA-10 has also facilitated trainings on Halal meat, goat production, and rabbit production in 2024, under the HFIDP.# (GDA/Photos supplied)

DA, LGUs, rice producers uphold farm clustering, consolidation in NorMin

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – Consistent with its effort to increase rice production in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) recently convened rice producers across the region for a three-day Rice Clusters Conference and Business Forum, here.
The forum calls for multilateral dialogue between the DA, Local Government Units (LGUs), and rice farmers to foster a common working ground to address bottlenecks in the development of the region’s rice industry.

Spearheaded by the DA-10 Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, the forum was attended by 66 rice clusters from the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental.

Clustering of rice farmers’ cooperatives, associations and consolidation of their production areas is one of the key strategies of the DA’s MASAGANA Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP). Under the MRIDP, the government is poised to provide harmonized and programmatic assistance to farmers across the rice value chain.

According to MRIDP Director for Clustering and Consolidation, Emerson S. Yago, being a cluster is advantageous for the farmers to have negotiating power. He stressed the need for convergence, coordination, and cooperation among key players to scale up the country’s rice industry.

To optimize their production capacity, he urged rice clusters to capitalize on the credit assistance provided by government financial entities to leverage the clusters’ operations in terms of rice production, processing and marketing.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, called on the rice farmers to voice out their opinions and recommendations during the forum as basis for policy formulations for the DA to better the implementation of its programs and projects in the region.

He also stressed that it is ripe for the farmers in the region to prepare and train the youth to take on their roles in the pursuit for sustainable agricultural development and be part of the effort to address challenges faced by the country’s farmers.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga encouraged the rice cluster leaders to keep themselves abreast with the DA’s F2C2 Program to assist them in availing DA’s assistance to spur inclusive agricultural development at the grassroot level.

Held in time with the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), the forum was also attended by the DA-10 chief of Field Operations Division Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria. # (ATT)

Agri-10 exec highlights digitalization toward empowering key agri players, improved delivery of services during Oro’s 1st Elevate Agriculture confab

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Farmers, fishers and schools offering agriculture courses here were urged to embrace digitalization by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) to make different farming, fishing and other agricultural-related ventures more profitable and scalable, and to fine-tune the delivery of support services for the agriculture sector.

This was underscored by Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, DA-10 regional executive director, who keynoted the three-day 1st Elevate Agriculture Convention featuring commodities such as coffee, cacao, abaca, banana, and vegetables, held recently, at the City Tourism Hall.

Before farmers, fishers and other key stakeholders from barangays Tinagpoloan, Tumpagon, Tuburan, Besigan, Mambuaya, San Simon and Balubal, the DA official encouraged them to register with the agri department’s information system, enabling to source real-time input on-the-ground such as crops to be planted and planting schedule, among other activities and needs in the attainment of their chosen agricultural endeavors.

The system, he added, is key in the regional management’s planning and decision-making processes, thereby ensuring a more seamless implementation of DA’s programs and projects, while also putting value in the processing and marketing aspects of agricultural commodities in order to command premium prices in the market.

Eyeing to capture more patrons for the harvest and by-products of different agriculture-based proprietors and farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), the DA-10 through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) also facilitated the display and selling of goods of its assisted clients, at the same time distributed information collaterals and packets of assorted vegetable seeds at the City Hall quadrangle.

With the event initiated by the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office together with the Oro Chamber of Commerce, RED Pacamalan also enjoined the mustered participants with the aid of the said partner offices to maximize such system, citing that it will form as bases in the provision of agricultural interventions and an assessment tool in the delivery and improvement of agricultural services as well.

Aligned with the DA-10 agri exec’s emphasis on digitalization, AMAD likewise presented the importance of registering in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS). It is a web-based information system tailored to assist the agency in crafting plans and programs, and in generating resources relative to enterprise development.# (JLO)

DA-10 firms up next steps for agri-fishery development in MisOr

OPOL, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) convened representatives from the provincial and municipal agriculture offices here during a two-day writeshop on November 18 to 19, in an effort to finalize the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development (PAFID) Plan for Misamis Oriental.

According to DA-10 Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division chief Lana May S. Racines, the activity revisits the initial inputs shared during the provincial consultation meeting held last October, to further contextualize the shared vision for agri-fishery development, and reinforce identified strategies for addressing local gaps and concerns in sector growth.

“The PAFID plan must emanate from the municipalities to the province, so we are more assured that the plan is really geared at meeting the province’s strategic targets for [agri-fishery development], and most especially, in addressing what other forms of support these towns need,” she further said.

PMED Planning Section chief Gladys A. Emperado also said that the firming up of the PAFID for MisOr aids the preparation of the agency’s budget plan for FY 2026, slated during the first quarter of 2025, as it outlines strategic investments and PPAs for the province consistent with identified sector development goals.

Drawing the participation of municipal agriculturists, agricultural technicians, and representatives from 16 municipalities and one city here, the workshop enjoined participants to identify key actors for programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) that address priority goals for 2026 to 2028, including an increase in the region’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in agriculture and fisheries, achievement of zero hunger and poverty reduction, an increase in income and employment, and the improvement of the resiliency of local farmers and fisherfolk.

The final document, to be consolidated at the end of the month by the Provincial Agriculture Office of Misamis Oriental with assistance from the DA-10 PMED, will be presented during the year-end assessment of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) alongside the PAFID plans of other provinces in Northern Mindanao.

The writeshop is spearheaded by the DA-10 PMED, in coordination with the Provincial Operations Center for Misamis Oriental, headed by its chief, Wilson V. Lagdamin.

Also present in support of the event were MisOr OIC-Provincial Agriculturist and Provincial Veterinarian Benjamin S. Resma, DVM; and League of Municipal Agriculture Officers, Municipal/City Agriculturists of the Philippines, Inc. (LeMMCAP) – Misamis Oriental Chapter President Eddie C. Maape Jr.# (GDA)

MIADP-10 strengthens support for ancestral domain development  in Bukidnon

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON — Aiming to lay the groundwork intended for services to eligible Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) or Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), staged a community assembly on November 12 at the Council of Elders of Bukidnon Tribal Association, Inc. Ancestral Domain (CEBUKTA AD), Sitio Olanga, Brgy. Lourdes, here.

The said information and education campaign aims to deepen understanding of approved DA-10 MIADP projects that will sustainably increase agricultural productivity and improve access to markets and services among organized farmer and fisherfolk groups in select ancestral domains (ADs) and commodity value chains in Mindanao.

To set off the implementation of approved projects, MIADP-10 is grounded on its key components — Ancestral Domain Planning and Social Preparation (Component 1); Resilient Ancestral Domain Agri-Fisheries Infrastructure (Component 2); Ancestral Domain Agri-Fisheries Production and Enterprise Development (Component 3); and Project Management and Support, Monitoring and Evaluation (Component 4).

Lana May S. Racines, MIADP-10 Component One head highlighted that community-driven initiatives are highly encouraged to facilitate efficient project execution within their planned timeframes.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent of IPs were discussed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), one of MIADP-10’s partners in championing ICCs or IPs’ welfare, apprising the participants on how to promote and protect their rights.

“To this day, neither the government nor private organizations can initiate projects without consent from those in the domain,” said NCIP Technical Management and Services Division chief Engr. Chona B. Lebanon.

In support of the event, Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas also expressed her appreciation to DA-RFO 10, noting that such projects rely on cooperation, thus, enjoining in attendance to contribute in ways they can.

As part of the ways forward, MIADP-10 is set to conduct various workshops and orientations with CEBUKTA AD volunteers to further inculcate roles and responsibilities for approved project design centered on support services in their domain.

IPs are among the most vulnerable in the Philippines and are in subsistence agriculture, yet, vast areas of land in ADs remain unused due to isolation and lack of support services.

Also present during the community assembly were Brgy. Lourdes captain Abraham N. Eslawan, CEBUKTA AD representative Datu Macario Loking along with other Datus and Baes, and select NCIP and MIADP-10 Component One staff.# (EJLG)

DA-10 upskills farmers on mushroom prod’n for alternative income

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Aiming to upskill farmers on sustainable farming practices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 conducts a training on Mushroom Production on November 7-8, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan, this city.

Spearheaded by the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo shared that the said initiative aims to teach the management practices of mushroom production and promote mushroom as an alternative source of income.

Around 35 farmers from the province of Bukidnon were given hands-on training on mushroom cultivation techniques from substrate preparation up to harvesting by NMACLRC Science Research Assistant Eleazar A. Jumalon.

A guided farm tour also took place on the second day of the event where participants visited the Mushroom City in Kalasungay, Malaybalay City which allowed the participants to observe mushroom farming operations and value-adding technologies.

With this training, the agency eyes to boost local food production to contribute in attaining food security through sustainable livelihood initiatives.# (AMBM/Photo credits: NUPAP-10)