Region 10’s YFC awardees, Veloso and Cabiladas from Lantapan, Bukidnon, showcase their agri-products during the 2024 MAFBEX.

PASAY CITY — In a bid to showcase local produce on the national stage, two awardees of the Department of Agriculture – Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program from Northern Mindanao showcased their innovative agri-products during the launch of the Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) 2024 on June 12, at the World Trade Center, in this city.

Now in its 18th year, the annual food and beverage expo was participated in by the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), during which the agency promoted contemporary culinary creations of promising young farmers and agri-products innovators from region 10.

Representing Northern Mindanao were agri-enterprises from Lantapan, Bukidnon, VeggieKrunch Crackers by YFC 2023 Provincial Awardee Loover B. Veloso and The Farmer’s Treats Mulberry jam by YFC 2023 Regional Awardee Kristine Joy A. Cabiladas, who were among the 232 brand exhibitors who participated in the national event.

Cabiladas, who received funding support worth P150k from the DA after emerging as a regional awardee of the YFC 2023 Start-up category, said that her enterprise has since grown and has been highlighted in various exhibitions, the latest of which is her participation in the MAFBEX assisted by the DA-10 AMAD.

“MAFBEX 2024 has opened opportunities for a wider market, learning, experiences, and connections with people from all over the Philippines. I am grateful for the trust the DA has given me to showcase the uniqueness and richness of our region,” Cabiladas said.

Meanwhile, Veloso, who also received funding support from DA worth P80k as a provincial awardee of the YFC 2023, said that the exhibit largely benefits his enterprise after having linked with prospective business partners.

“This event [has provided] a significant opportunity [for me] to promote my product on a national level. I have met many individuals interested in my product and found numerous potential suppliers for packaging and processing equipment. I am deeply grateful to the DA-AMAD for choosing me as one of the featured exhibitors at this year’s event,” Veloso said.

Also from the region, the First Community Cooperative – Integrated Processing Facility and Bestfriend Goodies also displayed their innovative beverages and food packs, as partner agri-based enterprises of the agency.

Said participation aligns with the agency’s goal of improving and expanding market access for agri-fishery enterprises, consistent with the policy thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. toward a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’.# (GDA)

DA-10 supports the organic agriculture initiative of BISA, an organization of organic farmers and producers based in Balingasag town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, and leaders of the Balingasag Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture (BISA) agreed to explore a common working ground to hype organic agriculture promotion in a meeting on June 5, at the DA-10 Compound, in this city.

BISA is an organization of organic farmers and producers based in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental who advocates organic farming practices as a way of mitigating the effects of climate change to protect mother earth.

“We visited DA-10 simply to inform the department and Director Pacamalan that an organization of farmers and producers who are into organic practice is existing in Balingasag at the same time, we wanted to know the programs and projects of DA-10 that the organization can avail (as) assistance” said Marlyn F. Tagupa, BISA President.

Tagupa averred their plans and proposals warranted the support of the DA-10. She said a follow through meeting was scheduled by Dir. Pacamalan by the end of the month to validate their production area as potential site for Organic Rice Industry Development Plan.

To scale up the country’s agriculture sector, DA Secretary Francisco Laurel, Jr., recognized the importance of forging strong partnership with the private sector particularly for the expansion of agricultural production areas.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10 Rice Program Focal Person, Marnie S. Suarez of the Organic Agriculture Program, and Engr. Romil G. Española of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division also attended the meeting to provide technical insights on the undertaking.# (CRS)

DA eyes to strengthen the livestock industry in Region 10 through genetic improvement.

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Ruminants, Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, led the conduct of Genetic Improvement Program (GIP) Workshop: Dove-tailing the Backyard/Smallholder Raisers of Small Ruminants, here, on June 6-7.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), the workshop is participated by key personnel of the DA-Region 10’s (DA-10) Livestock Program, DA-attached agencies and private stakeholders of the region’s livestock industry.

As part of the agency’s effort to enhance the quality of goat and sheep herds in the region, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan underscored that the activity is an avenue for the region’s livestock industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, expertise, and best practices to optimize the genetic traits and reproductive performance of small ruminants.

“Knowing that there is a greater demand to improve our herd, whether large or small, I think this is the first step towards ensuring that we can have a sustained supply of improved genetic materials of our herd, especially for our small farmers,” he conveyed.

He also urged the participants to devise strategic plans for genetic improvement of the existing herd.

“I hope we don’t end up sitting here, but after this, maybe we can plan out what possible support we can organize so that we can make sure that there is an improvement in our genetic materials at the farmers’ field,” he averred.

For his part, Asec. Albarece substantiated the need for improved sheep and goat genetics to boost the region’s livestock industry.

“Improving the genetic qualities of sheep and goats is vital to increase productivity, sustainability, and profitability in the livestock industry,” he said.

In the workshop, the participants engaged in multilateral dialogue on key action areas such as Animal Genetic Improvement for Small Ruminants, Sustaining Breeding Programs, Clustering Backyard/Smallholder Raisers, Preventing Inbreeding, Buck Loans, Barangay Multiplier Farms, and the NorMin Genetic System.

The system necessitates the conduct of genetic testing to identify superior traits and potential genetic disorder within the herd. By incorporating these data into the breeding programs, the most desirable genetic traits can be optimized, ultimately leading to a stronger and more resilient herd.

This proactive approach reflects DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. ‘s priority agenda for improved agricultural production systems, particularly in the livestock sector.

Also present during the activity are DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, Ph.D, Planning and Monitoring Evaluation Division chief Lana May S. Racines, Research Center for Upland Development chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr. and other DA-10 staff.# (RDME)

The DA-NorMin delegation headed by RED Pacamalan attends the culmination of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration, at the same time witnessing two of Region 10’s outstanding FCAs and FRED being honored for their invaluable contribution to the agri-fishery sector.

PASAY CITY — In a bid to showcase local produce on the national stage, two awardees of the Department of Agriculture – Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program from Northern Mindanao showcased their innovative agri-products during the launch of the Manila Food and Beverage Expo (MAFBEX) 2024 on June 12, at the World Trade Center, in this city.

Now in its 18th year, the annual food and beverage expo was participated in by the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), during which the agency promoted contemporary culinary creations of promising young farmers and agri-products innovators from region 10.

Representing Northern Mindanao were agri-enterprises from Lantapan, Bukidnon, VeggieKrunch Crackers by YFC 2023 Provincial Awardee Loover B. Veloso and The Farmer’s Treats Mulberry jam by YFC 2023 Regional Awardee Kristine Joy A. Cabiladas, who were among the 232 brand exhibitors who participated in the national event.

Cabiladas, who received funding support worth P150k from the DA after emerging as a regional awardee of the YFC 2023 Start-up category, said that her enterprise has since grown and has been highlighted in various exhibitions, the latest of which is her participation in the MAFBEX assisted by the DA-10 AMAD.

“MAFBEX 2024 has opened opportunities for a wider market, learning, experiences, and connections with people from all over the Philippines. I am grateful for the trust the DA has given me to showcase the uniqueness and richness of our region,” Cabiladas said.

Meanwhile, Veloso, who also received funding support from DA worth P80k as a provincial awardee of the YFC 2023, said that the exhibit largely benefits his enterprise after having linked with prospective business partners.

“This event [has provided] a significant opportunity [for me] to promote my product on a national level. I have met many individuals interested in my product and found numerous potential suppliers for packaging and processing equipment. I am deeply grateful to the DA-AMAD for choosing me as one of the featured exhibitors at this year’s event,” Veloso said.

Also from the region, the First Community Cooperative – Integrated Processing Facility and Bestfriend Goodies also displayed their innovative beverages and food packs, as partner agri-based enterprises of the agency.

Said participation aligns with the agency’s goal of improving and expanding market access for agri-fishery enterprises, consistent with the policy thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. toward a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’.# (GDA)

Laguindingan corn farmers receive agri inputs from the DA-10 Corn program.

In time with the wet planting season, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, turned over PhP4.9-million worth of agricultural inputs to corn farmers in Laguindangan, Misamis Oriental, on June 6.

Provided were 300 bags of hybrid white corn, 440 bags of hybrid yellow corn, 590 bags of complete fertilizer, and 2,400 packets of biofertilizer.

Laguindingan Mayor Diosdado T. Obsioma acknowledged the DA-10’s support to the LGU’s initiative in helping corn farmers in the town.

He also urged the local farmers to optimize utilization of inputs granted by the DA to augment their livelihood.

To increase the country’s agricultural production, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., underscored the importance of strong partnership with the farmers and fisherfolk, and private and public sectors at the ground level.#(CRS/Photo credits: LGU Laguindingan)

BEARCO acquires P6.9-million worth of agri interventions from Agri-10.

DON CARLOS, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan turned over a P3.2-million hauling truck and P3.7-million recirculating dryer to BFI Employees Agrarian Reform Cooperative (BEARCO) on May 28, here.

Don Carlos mayor Ma. Victoria O. Pizarro, together with DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, handed the certificate of turnover to Panchito A. Teruel, BEARCO chairperson.

In his helm of the DA, development of post-harvest systems and improved agricultural infrastructures are among the priority agenda of Secretary Francisco Laurel.

Teruel expressed his appreciation to the DA for its support in scaling up the cooperative’s post-harvest capacity to augment its members’ income.

[Dakong tabang ang mga makinarya nga gihatag sa DA-10 especially during sa first-cropping season sa bulan sa Hulyo ug kini mga panahona kay wet season, pinaagi niini masulbad na ang problema sa post-harvest]

“The machinery granted by the DA is of great help especially during the first-cropping season in July which also happens to be the wet season. With these projects, we can resolve our post-harvest problems and improve the quality of the crops” he said.

The recirculating dryer will provide high-quality dried corn that would sell at a higher price, while reducing losses in the post-harvest process. With their own hauling truck the BEARCO members will be able to save on transportation cost, thus helping them earn higher out of their farm produce.

Mayor Pizarro urged the cooperative to impose guidelines for the maintenance of the projects for sustained impact in the enhancement of agricultural productivity and reduction of post-harvest losses.

The said interventions were appropriated under the Agricultural Machinery, Equipment Facilities and Infrastructure funds of the DA-10’s Corn Program.

The BEARCO is a cooperative of 188 farmers who cumulatively tilled 50 hectares corn, and 15 hectares cassava areas in Barangay Maraymaray in Don Carlos town.#(MPMT)

DA-10 through the Corn program grants a farm tractor unit to KAMADA ARC coop.

BALINGOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL- To increase efficiency and productivity in agricultural operations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan turned over more than P2.9-million (M) farm tractor to Kabangasan Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (KAMADA ARCC) on May 31, this town.

Weny N. Enterina, chair of KAMADA ARCC received the certificate of turnover for the 90-horsepower farm tractor along with its complete implements such as harrow, disc plow, and trailer.

According to Enterina, the granted machinery brings about numerous benefits that would contribute to the development and sustainability of their cooperative and the agricultural sector in the locality.

Likewise, he expressed his gratitude to the DA for the support which is really needed for their farmer-members planting cassava and corn.

“Sa pagka karun, ang among priority is matabangan nga maka angat pud ang among mga farmer. Pinaagi niining tractor, naa na gyud sila’y magamit sa panahon nga mag trabaho sila sa ilang umahan. Mas maayo man tong traktor kay dali raman makahawan sa yuta ug dali rasad ta makatanum, kaysa e kabaw nga dugay man mahuman,” he said

[As of now, our priority is to uplift the lives of our farmer-members. Through this tractor, they readily now have a machinery unit to help them in their farm work. The [use] of a tractor is much better for land preparation activities, and it paves for an easier and faster way to planting than using draft animals that usually takes a longer time to finish.]

The KAMADA ARCC is now on its 23rd year with a total of 14k members, tilling more than 15k hectares of land for cassava, corn, coconut, and abaca.

As part of their farm tractor availability scheme, coop members and non-members alike must shoulder the cost for the operator as well as gasoline. Accordingly, members must pay the coop 1k and P2k for non-members to muster funds for the unit’s repair and maintenance.

Funded under the DA-10 Corn program, the machinery is expected to scale up the farmers’ capacity and productivity through mechanized farming method.

To increase farmers’ income, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. emphasizes the importance of a mechanized and modernized agriculture production system in his three-year, eight-point plan for agricultural development.# (RDME)

DA-CRAO monitors sustainable practices in select AMIA villages in Region 10.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to prioritize efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (CRAO) conducts a site monitoring in select Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) villages in Northern Mindanao on May 20-25.

The CRAO team headed by Planning Officer Rae Michael B. Barbosa and DA-10 AMIA team headed by focal person Carmelito R. Lapoot visited the AMIA village sites in Brgy. Liboran, Baungon (Liboran Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative), barangays Gango, Kinawe, and Kili-og in Libona (Gango Kinawe Community-Based Participatory Action Research Producers Cooperative), and Brgy. Lingion, Manolo Fortich (Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative), all of Bukidnon province.

Said beneficiaries were recipients of agri-interventions from the AMIA program, such as farm machineries, livestock, seeds, fertilizers and farm tools to help augment their farm production and foster resilience in agriculture.

They were also capacitated on the use of Climate Information System (CIS) which serves as a guide in their farming operations to help develop adaptation strategies and enable farmers to become resilient.

Further, said initiative forms part of the ‘science and information-driven decision making through digitalization,’ which is included in DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s eight-point plan which aims harmonize aid in policy decision making for the agri-fishery sector.# (AMBM/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 together with DA USec Caballero ground breaks the establishment of corn and rice processing centers in Bukidnon province.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY — In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon.

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49-million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons pet set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria.# (GDA)

Agri-10 officials together with USec for High Value Crops Caballero eyes to bolster high value crops production in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of its bid to enhance agricultural productivity in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recently facilitated a series of site visit across various production areas of high value crops in Northern Mindanao.

On May 24 and 25, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, was joined by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, for a tour of strategic production sites for high value crops in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

According to USec Caballero, the strategic site visits are conducted to assess the region’s current production performance, and determine which aspects in crop production the DA can best intervene and provide support for, with interests in strengthening region 10’s high value crops productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

During her visit to the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the DA official was briefed on the agri research center’s current research and innovations on potato seed production through tissue culture, as well as the public-private partnerships engaged in by the agency to further bolster the production of said crop here.

As one of the region’s top agricultural commodity, the production of which is also supported by the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the DA, USec Caballero also visited ‘Finca de Garces’, an Arabica coffee farm in Pangantucan, Bukidnon to benchmark on best practices for its sustainable production.

It can be recalled that in 2023, Finca de Garces’ arabica coffee bagged the first place in the recently staged Philippine Coffee Competition, to which the undersecretary expressed optimism for the increased recognition of NorMin coffee growers and producers in the national and international scale.

Also part of the two-day activity were visits to the agency’s Research Center for Hillyland Development and an identified vanilla and cacao intercropping farm at the DA-Agricultural Training Institute Learning Center for Conservation Agriculture with Trees in Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Flowerland, a PhilGAP certified farm engaged in Malaysian mums production funded by the DA-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon for a benchmarking activity on the production of ornamental plants in region 10.

Moreover, the said activity is in line with DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan, which underscores the need for strengthened coordination with farmers and other private stakeholders, and the expansion and improvement of agricultural sites, to achieve a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’.

Present in support of the activity were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM; and HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan.# (MPMT/GDA)