DA-10 in collaboration with ACPC spearheads a financial education training for Bukidnon farmers.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan in collaboration with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) staged the Kapital at Ipon Tungo sa Asenso (KITA Mo Na!) Financial Education (Fin-Ed) Training, on May 22, in Dalwangan, here.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, around 32 farmer loan borrowers from the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center Multipurpose Cooperative (PITAC MPC) joined the activity to learn and understand the financial implications of their decisions and on how to mitigate risks associated with financial management.

Pursuant to DA Department Order No. 7, series of 2023 or the nationwide adoption of KITA Mo Na!, which directs the Regional and Provincial Loan Facilitation Teams (R-LoFTs and PLoFTs) to adopt and implement the Fin-Ed game for ACPC beneficiaries as part of the regular training program of the Department to farmers and fisherfolk.

According to ACPC Information Officer Karlo Abarquez, the KITA MO Na! Fin-Ed game is an educational and interactive simulation game for small farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers which attempts to mimic the real-life events that influence the daily financial decisions of farmers and their families.

“Through this, the participants will learn basic personal financial management skills such as saving, budgeting, managing debt, credit discipline, basic financial services, protection from potential scams, and the rights and responsibilities of financial consumers,” he conveyed.

Meanwhile, PITAC MPC Acting Loan Officer Romel G. Baylomo expressed his appreciation for the activity that equips their loan borrowers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their finances.

“We express our utmost gratitude to DA and ACPC for providing such valuable training that has a significant impact on the lives of our farmer loan borrowers. The training sessions conducted have proven to be immensely beneficial, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their agricultural practices and financial management,” he said.

As a gesture of gratitude, Exequias D. Cosido, a farmer-member of Mauswagon Farmers Association (MAFA) said, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa programa ng ating gobyerno, lalo na sa DA at ACPC, sa kanilang tulong at paggabay, partikular sa mga magsasaka na katulad ko nanahaharap sa mga hamong pinansyal upang mapanatili ang aming mga aktibidad sa pagsasaka. Salamat sa training na ito, dahil natutunan ko kung paano gamitin sa hustong pamamaraan ang pera at kung paano maging isang business-minded na tao.”

The KITA Mo Na!, developed by the DA-ACPC, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the BDO Foundation, is an interactive training structured around six key messages for farmers and fishers. These include being wise with debt, increasing income through business ventures and additional skills, saving for the future, being insured to be protected, being critical to avoid scams, and being nurturing to the environment.

Further, said initiative is also anchored on Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s comprehensive plan to make farming and fisheries a more bankable investment industry.

Same activity was also conducted in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental the following day for the 31 farmer loan borrowers of KAMADA ARC cooperative.# (RDME)

Agri-10 through its Livestock program turns over the P5.2-million swine production facility to SIMUSOFAWA in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

KITAOTAO, BUKIDNON – To modernize and enhance the capacity of the local swine industry here, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P5.2-million (M) bio-secured and climate-controlled swine production facility to Sinuda Multi-Indigenous Sectoral Farmers and Workers Association (SIMUSOFAWA) on May 23, this town.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas led the handing over of the certificate of turnover to SIMUSOFAWA chairperson Datu Domino A. Pangcat signifying the transfer of ownership and operation of the facility.

The 2,000-square-meter bio-secured swine facility, costing P3,827,241.08, features a perimeter fence, office, climate-controlled animal housing, biogas waste management system, basic farm equipment, and a shower area.

Also part of the component is feeds, Hog scale, animal stocks, and drugs and biologics, for a total of P1.451-M.

According to Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc, the said project is part of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program of the DA designed to enhance biosecurity and disease control measures in the community while simultaneously supporting the repopulation and growth of Northern Mindanao’s swine industry.

RED Pacamalan also underscored the importance of quality breeds of swine in ensuring overall productivity and the proper implementation of this project.

Meanwhile, Datu Pangcat expressed his gratitude to DA saying “Nagpapasalamat ako sa DA sa pagbibigay sa amin ng proyektong ito, dahil ito ay magbibigay karagdagang kita at pangkabuhayan sa aming miyembro at asosasyon. Sa ngayon sisigurohin po namin na makakasali sa mga training tungkol sa pagbababoy para matiyak ang tagumpay ng proyekto.”

The SIMUSOFAWA association, which has been operational for five years now, has 200 members in total. Notably, a significant majority of 70% of its members come from the Matigsalog tribe.

Such a modernized swine production facility is consistent with DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s priority agenda for improved agriculture production system in the country.

Present during the activity are DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, Bukidnon Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council chairman Jaime C. Go, Regional AFC Honorio S. Cervantes and Floro V. Dalapag, Kitaotao Municipal Agriculturist Beaulah Grace P. Rafisura, Vice Mayor Marry Ann G. Angit, SB Committee on Agriculture Eduardo C. Beltran and Engr. Alvin S. Obrique representing Kitaotao mayor Edwin P. Abucayan.# (RDME)

DA-RADDL 10 shares lab practices during the One Health Approach workshop.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) welcomes participants of the One Health Approach workshop for a Laboratory walkthrough on May 22.

The DA-RFO 10’s RADDL is among the priority sites visited during the five-day One Health Approach Consultative Workshop for the National Laboratory System and Biosafety and Biosecurity Thematic Areas of International Health Regulation – Joint External Evaluation from May 20-24.

The said workshop aims to promote awareness and share expertise on diversed laboratory practices while strengthening partnership between laboratory focal persons of the DA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Health (DOH).

It also seeks to create an operational plan integrating the human, animal and environment sector toward a One Health Approach.

The DA-RFO 10 RADDL provides services such as diagnostic test of major animal diseases, disease surveillance and research.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca welcomed the group while Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD) chief, Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, briefed the participants on the RADDL’s laboratory procedure and practices.# (AMBM)

President BBM distributes assistance to El Niño-stricken farmers and fisherfolk, in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and Iligan City.

ILIGAN CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. leads the turnover of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño on May 16, at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, in this city.

As part of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF), the President, together with Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel, Jr. and other government officials handed over Php10.54 million in aid to Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao, Php13.92 million to Lanao del Norte Vice Governor Allan J. Lim and Php24.36 million to Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal, Sr.

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted that the public can expect government programs and projects that will help improve the lives of the people living in regions.

“Ngunit, nahaharap din ang ating bansa sa matinding tagtuyot na balakid sa ating kaunlaran. Kaya nga po ang ginagawa natin ngayon ay sinusuyod natin ang buong kapuluan upang maghatid ng tulong sa mga napinsala ng matinding tag-init at [tagtuyot] na nangyayari sa El Niño,” he said.

Meanwhile, DA Secretary Laurel noted that the agency is providing farmers in Region 10 numerous agricultural programs and projects which include agri inputs (vegetable seeds, corn seeds, rice seeds, fertilizers), Fertilizer Discount Vouchers, machinery and equipment, fuel discount vouchers, Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA), among others.

For 2024, the DA has appropriated Php2.9 billion in funds for agricultural programs, projects and services across Northern Mindanao. Of the total appropriation, Lanao del Norte is allocated Php498 million worth agricultural interventions, while Misamis Occidental and Iligan City were allotted Php276 million and Php99 million, respectively.

“Ang importante ay maidentify natin at maitulak natin ang mga stratehiya natin sa agrikultura. This will bring us closer to achieving our economic growth and ensuring food and nutrition security, para maparami ang trabaho at mabawasan ang kahirapan,” the DA chief remarked.

During the turnover program, the DA regional office has also distributed 7,000 packets of assorted vegetable seeds, 53 packets of forage seeds, 20 bags corn seeds (at 9 kilos per bag) and 20 bags of biofertilizer (at 200 grams per bag). # (AMBM)

Agri-10 strengthens the execution of livestock feeds and animal welfare laws.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regulatory personnel convenes for the retooling on the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 1556, otherwise known as the Livestock and Poultry Feeds Act and RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act (AWA), on May 8-10, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

DA-10 Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, said that the event aims to enhance the efficiency and monitoring capabilities of the deputized inspectors of the agency in ensuring compliance with feed safety standards and animal welfare regulations.

Presented topics were registration and licensing as provided in RA 1556 and RA 8485, feed establishment inspection checklist, product quality monitoring, animal handlers and accreditation of transport carrier and AWA inspection checklist.

DA-Bureau of Animal Industry Animal Feeds Veterinary Drugs and Biologics Control Division Senior Agriculturist Norman B. Tab discussed the laws and regulations pertaining to animal feed, such as the Food Safety Act and other legislation.

According to Tab, the act is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of feeds used in animal production, as well as safeguarding consumers from potential risks associated with contaminated feeds.

Meanwhile, Marie Shella G. Ordinario, DVM, head of the Animal Facilities Regulations Section of DA-BAI said that the AWA intends to safeguard and advance the welfare of all animals by monitoring and controlling the construction and upkeep of the facilities.

Ensuing the discussions, the division did doing mock inspections on the feed mill facility at M. Montesclaros Farms, Inc. located in Bagontaas, Valencia City, Bukidnon, and a cattle farm at NMACLRC, here, which serve as valuable training exercises involved in regulatory compliance and improving their preparedness for actual inspections.

Also supporting the activity is DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM.# (MPMT)

Farmers receive P3K-worth of fuel assistance from Agri-10.

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – Some 3,097 farmers from Valencia City and the towns of San Fernando, Dangcagan, Damulog, Don Carlos and Kadingilan of Bukidnon province receive fuel assistance amounting to P9.291-million from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, on May 20-24.

Facilitated by the agency’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), the assistance aims to support those farmers who are engaged in mechanizing their farm operations using various agricultural machinery to overall strengthen farmers’ resilience and lessen the impact of oil price hikes on farmers’ production costs.

Of which, said initiative is also aligned to the DA chief’s three-year plan of mechanizing and modernizing agriculture and fishery production systems to increase agricultural productivity, lower food cost, ensure food security, and make farming and fisheries a more bankable investment alternative.

The fuel discount cards distributed to 1,230 farmers in Valencia City, 503 in San Fernando, 742 in Dangcagan, 110 in Damulog, 106 in Don Carlos, and 406 in Kadingilan.

Each farmer-beneficiary will receive P3K, where one is duly enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

He/she or the Farmers’ Cooperative, Association (FCA) that he/she belongs to must own a functional farm machinery that is inventoried under the Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

One of the beneficiaries from Valencia City, Anna S. Neri expressed her appreciation to the department for taking the effort to provide farmers with fuel subsidies, which helps in reducing the defrayment of gasoline or fuel expenses.

Further, said distribution is also realized in partnership with the Universal Storefront Services, Corp.# (MPMT)

Agri-10 extends agri services in El Salvador City during the LAB for All.

EL SALVADOR CITY — In a joint effort with the national government to bring its services closer to the people, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, participated in the LAB for All mobile health and services program on May 16, in this city.

Spearheaded by the First Lady of the Philippines, Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos, the LAB for All event aims to provide various medical and government services to Filipinos from remote areas of the country.

Said services include free consultations and check-ups, various medical services, consultation with medical specialists, and the provision of free medications.

In support of said event, DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) staged its KADIWA ng Pangulo exhibit, through which various agri-fishery products from local producers were sold at economical prices.

DA-10 has also catered to inquiries and facilitated the enrollment of interested farmers and farmers groups to the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and the Facilitation of Enrollment in Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), respectively.

Through the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program, DA has also facilitated the distribution of assorted vegetable seed packets to walk-in clients, free of charge.

In a show of support for DA-10’s participation during the activity, First Lady Marcos and DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor B. Savellano was accompanied by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca for a brief tour of the agency booth, in which attached agencies and bureaus also showcased their services.

Said agencies included the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-10), the Philippine Coconut Authority in Misamis Oriental (PCA-MisOr), National Dairy Authority (NDA-10), the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-10), and the National Food Authority (NFA-10).

Also present in support of the activity were DA-10 Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; Provincial Operations Center – Misamis Occidental chief Sansen O. Tejano; AMAD Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe; Regulatory Division Veterinary III Veterinarian III Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM; and DA-10 staff.# (GDA)

DA-BAFE and FAO stages training in CdeO to determine level of mechanization.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A six-membered team from the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) of DA and the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) are here to stage a training relative to the implementation of the project entitled, Improving Capacities on the Adoption of a Harmonized Mechanization Index to Increase the Level of Mechanization Efficiency of Rice and Corn Production from May 22 to 24.

Led by Kelvin Michael A. Crystal, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer (ABE) and Project Coordinator of FAO Philippines, the team paid a courtesy visit to the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) earlier today, May 22, in the presence of Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Assistant Division chief of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), Engr. Junel W. Ablanque, as it seeks for the department’s participation to standardize and roll out the procedure in gauging the level of mechanization at the national, regional, and local levels.

As DA-RFO 10 completes the conduct of its inventory of the machinery, the agency’s RAED personnel involved in the National Agricultural Machinery Inventory (NAMIn) are set to employ the draft mechanization index interface tailored for integration into the ABE Management Information System.

Further, said initiative is anchored on DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s plan to augment agricultural productivity, reduce food cost, ensure food security, and make farming and fisheries a more viable investment through mechanizing and modernizing agriculture and fishery production systems and digitalization.#

The agri department in NorMin reaffirms its support for the growth and development of the bamboo industry in the region and country, as well. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, reaffirms its support for the development and growth of the bamboo industry in the country, particularly in Northern Mindanao.

In a special meeting with bamboo industry stakeholders from the private sector held on May 10 to 11, RED Pacamalan joined DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor B. Savellano and DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistant Jerome V. Oliveros to discuss a proposed plan for the development of bamboo in the Philippines as an industrial crop.

During the meeting, participants tackled contextual information on the bamboo industry in the country, various strategies that are seen to drive the growth of bamboo production, as well as previously established bamboo development programs and past production efforts undertaken by private stakeholders concerning said crop.

Further, the meeting delved on the possible impacts of the industry’s growth on climate, planet, and people across concerned countries; perceived constraints to growth; and considerations for development actions aligned with the Philippines’ bamboo development roadmap.

Florida-based bamboo building materials company, RIZOME, through its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Russel Smith expressed optimism in the shared endeavor, enjoining stakeholders from both the public and private sector to invest and co-create opportunities for local farmers and contribute to a sustainable enterprise.

“[Investing] in bamboo agroforestry and its value chain can help create opportunities for farmers to transform their local community and introduce this product into the market as a raw good, or a pre-processed, low-impact building material, creating sustainable village-level business,” the company executive said.

As a funding agency with interests in poverty eradication, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) also recognized the significance of investing in the industry development plan, citing its shared appreciation of the agricultural value chain as a major contributor to socio-economic and community development.

For his part, USec Savellano, whose office also oversees regular meetings of bamboo stakeholders in government, highlighted DA’s integral role as a coordinating body with other government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to foster a conducive environment for the bamboo sector.

“As we [in the government] move forward with our ‘one-nation’ approach, the inputs shared in this activity is worth considering. Everyone should participate and all government initiatives [aligned with this undertaking] should be unified, all in support of the bamboo industry,” the DA official said.

During the meeting, RIZOME has also bared its bamboo development pipeline that tags the province of Bukidnon and the BARMM region as prime areas for production expansion, alongside Agusan del Sur in Mindanao; Samar island in Visayas; and Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya in Luzon.

With Mindanao’s large potential for bamboo growth and development, RED Pacamalan extended his support for the initiative, underscoring the agency’s tailor-fit agri-industrial programs and strategies to increase agricultural production while simultaneously producing more value-added products, providing farmers and their families with additional business and job opportunities, and higher incomes.

Cognizant of its potential as a high-value crop whose presence is mostly observed in rural, indigenous areas of the region, RED Pacamalan also assured the sustained support of DA-10 through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) and the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP).

Supporting the meeting were RIZOME Community Development head Eileen Gamo; First Community Cooperative (FICCO) CEO Edgardo A. Micayabas; Kapwa Agroforestry, Corp. partner for bamboo development Pax Doromal; and Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) Executive Director Butch Madarang.

Also present was the delegation of sector and department representatives from the ADB, led by ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran, and ADB General Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department Director Bruno Carrasco.

Also joining RED Pacamalan from DA-10 were HVCDP Assistant focal person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, Livestock Program focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc, and staff.# (RDME/GDA)

Agri-10 targets digitalization of agri-data. 

The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) thru its Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan unveiled plans for digitalization of the agency’s data system in two separate meetings with DA partner-stakeholders on May 15, at the DA compound in Cagayan de Oro City.

RED Pacamalan shared plans for bamboo industry expansion during the courtesy visit of a team from Cagayan de Oro Confederation of Farmers, Fisherfolks, Urban Communities, Cooperatives and Micro-Entrepreneurs (CDO Confederation of FFUCC and ME) headed by its president, Robert C. Questadio.

He said that the DA will geo-tag bamboo production areas in Cagayan de Oro City in an effort to organize bamboo supply-market linkage.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with the National Economic and Development Authority – Region 10 (NEDA-10) Chief of Economic Development Specialist, Archimedes C. Lazaro, RED Pacamalan bared the agency’s plans in improving its reporting system and harmonization of agri-related data with other government agencies and local government units.

He maintained such initiatives will not only modernize the region’s agriculture sector database, but also ensure efficient planning and allocation of resources for improved farmers’ productivity. # (AMBM)