DA-10 thru RED Collado signs a MOA with local chief executives across the region for the implementation of agricultural marketing projects.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CIRY – As part of its continuing commitment to elevate Northern Mindanao’s agriculture sector, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with four Local Government Units (LGUs) for the roll out of P18 million agricultural marketing projects in the region.

Simultaneous with the NorMin Regional Development Council (RDC-10) Full Council Meeting, Friday, December 15, DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado signed the Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance (KFGA) MOA with Lanao del Norte Governor, Imelda Q. Dimaporo, , Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao, Gingoog City Mayor Erick G. Canosa and Mayor Jayfrancis D. Bago of Opol town in Misamis Oriental.

The grant is deemed an enabling mechanism for the LGUs to create stable food supply in their respective localities, and minimize disruption in the supply chain, particularly for basic food commodities.

“We aim for holistic agricultural development. We are not just fortifying our support to the farmers and the LGUs in terms of production. Part of the goal is to go the extra mile and assist our stakeholders to establish sustainable food supply chain to ensure availability of basic food needs at all times,” Collado accounted.

Through the KFGA, the cities of Gingoog and Iligan, and the province of Lanao del Norte will receive P4 million financial grant for the procurement of agricultural hauling truck, while the town of Opol will get P5 million in grant for the establishment of trading post.# (ATT)

Twenty-three GIP beneficiaries complete their internship in working for the government through DA-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, through its Human Resource Management Section (HRMS), conducted a culminating activity for the beneficiaries of the Government Internship Program (GIP) on December 13, at the agency compound, in this city.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 139, the GIP engages beneficiaries aged 18 to 30 years old, who have graduated from a technical-vocational course, junior or senior high school, or its equivalent under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), without work experience.

As a GIP partner agency, the Department’s implementation of the internship arrangement is consonant with the Program’s objectives of employment generation, inclusive growth, and substantial poverty reduction by immersing said beneficiaries in public service through the government’s programs and projects.

A total of 23 deployed youth were assigned to the different operating units of the agency: Administrative and Finance Division (5), Integrated Laboratories Division (5), Office of the Regional Director (4), Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (4), Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (3), and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (2).

In her welcome message, HRMS chief Sky Love A. Sarmiento commended the interns who successfully rendered service through the Program, citing its implications on the productivity of the agency during the past months.

Through the Program, beneficiaries underwent an internship agreement for a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months, rendering eight hours of service at regular office hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) from Monday to Friday.

Further inspiring the interns, RED Collado encouraged them to explore opportunities to serve in the government and to uphold their learnings as they embark on professional career development.

“As you take the next step in your professional development, may you always bring with you the good name of the Department and the work ethics you have amassed during your brief stay with us,” the director said.

In recognition of their invaluable contributions to the agency, said beneficiaries were awarded certificates of recognition and also received special tokens.

The event was capped by the sharing of their internship impressions by select GIP beneficiaries Donnabel L. Vicente and Christian Paul R. Regidor from the first and second batches, respectively, sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-10), as well as Anjanice Catherine Pearl B. Uy, who is among the three GIP beneficiaries sponsored by the Office of Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez.

The culminating activity was also supported by some of their mentors from the various operating units, Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse, Supervising Administrative Officer Marilou A. Santua, GIP coordinator Marilou C. Hebia, and other HRMS staff.# (GDA)

DA-10 honors its retirees in a Salamat, Mabuhay tribute.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) honored its retired employees in a Salamat, Mabuhay tribute Thursday, December 7, here.

With the theme DAOG (DA’s One Goal): Ten for One, the agency lauded the stellar service of 13 DA employees who formally concluded their tenure of office this year.

In his message, DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to the retirees for their contribution in continuously making the DA a premier agency in serving the region’s agriculture sector.

“On behalf of DA-NorMin, I deeply appreciate all you have done to create an environment where each of us strives for excellence. May your success continue to flourish for many generations ahead,” he said.

For her part, DA-NorMin Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga commended the retirees’ dedication and commitment in their service to DA. She particularly cited their pivotal roles in bolstering the agency’s performance at the national level.

Recounting the shared challenges and triumphs as colleagues in service, DA-NorMin Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca thanked the retirees for their unwavering cooperation and support in the attainment of the agency’s yearly goals in the course of their tenure.

In recognition of their selfless service and exceptional leadership, the retirees received a plaque and token of appreciation from DA-NorMin and the Department of Agriculture Employees’ Association (DAEA).

This year’s retirees are:

Alanita A. Jumalon, DVM – Chief Agriculturist
Lourdes P. Rudinas – Project Evaluation Officer IV
Berly F. Tatoy, PhD – Agricultural Center Chief III
Cleofe O. Ampatin – Senior Agriculturist
Jocelyn A. Gementiza – Market Specialist III
Guillermo L. Duran – Senior Science Research Specialist
Betty G. Betonio – Science Research Specialist II
Gleen A. Janubas – Agriculturist II
Alma May T. Dejoras – Administrative Assistant II
Bernadette M. Manduro – Science Research Assistant
Romulo P. Mahinay – Security Guard I
Priscillano A. Tuquib – Science Aide I
Liebeco B. Mahilum -Laboratory Aide I

DA-10 strengthens its climate-resilient agriculture campaign.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU) of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Northern Mindanao recently held a Coordination Meeting for Climate Resiliency on High Value Crops at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Consistent with DA’s effort to attain food security amid climate-related challenges, personnel of the provincial and municipal agriculture offices in Bukidnon province were apprised on relevant updates and systems employed by DA’s Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA) Program, pest management on high value crops and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado that the activity primarily aims to streamline inter-governmental efforts in broadening developmental goals at the ground level to meet the increasing demand on high-valued crops under changing climate.# (ATT)

DA-10 and PhilRice apprise stakeholders on Malusog rice production in Bukidnon province.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To introduce and promote Malusog Rice production in Bukidnon province, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado through its Research Division, and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recently held a Farmers’ Forum at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city.

In the forum, prospective farmer-cooperators were acquainted with Malusog Rice in terms of production and marketing potentials, considering Bukidnon’s climate and market opportunities as a new rice variety for the Filipino palate.

In his message to Bukidnon rice farmers, Dr. Gerardo Estoy, Jr., DA-PhilRice Agusan branch director, underscored the viability of Malusog Rice farming as the production of which is highly identical to commonly known rice varieties.

Formerly known as Golden Rice, the Malusog Rice is beta carotene-enriched rice variety developed by the PhilRice mainly to address malnutrition. Malusog Rice is specifically beneficial to those at risk of Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) such as pre-school children and pregnant and lactating mothers.

Together with DA-NorMin, PhilRice is intensifying its promotion of the Malusog Rice in Northern Mindanao, particularly in Lanao del Norte where a high prevalence of VAD was recorded.

For his part, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, emphasized the market potential of Malusog Rice as the preferred healthy staple for the locals.

He urged rice seed producers and commercial rice growers in Bukidnon to venture into Malusog Rice production not just as a viable livelihood, but more so as a way of helping the community in producing healthy food options.

In support of the Malusog Rice Program, DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the agency has established two demonstration farms in its research stations in Bukidnon, one in NMACLRC and another at the Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Located in Southern and Northern Bukidnon which differ in elevation and rainfall patterns, the demonstration farms will showcase climatic suitability for expansive Malusog Rice production in the province.# (ATT)

Agri-10 signs a MOA with FCAs and LGUs from MisOr and Bukidnon for the Kadiwa implementation.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recently inks a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon for the implementation of the P25.5 million (M) worth of Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance program.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the said program aims to help facilitate food accessibility, quality, and affordability to consumers through partnerships with LGUs and FCAs, and improve the food distribution system at the same time.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado together with Bukidnon mayors Anthony A. Uy (Impasugong) and Ernie R. Devibar (Lantapan) signed the agreement for the P5 million (M) construction of trading posts in their respective localities, in the presence of their municipal staff.

The agri department also sealed a partnership with the Mindanao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MFARCC) of Magsaysay, and Kabangasan, Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community (KMDARC) of Balingoan, both from MisOr to finance each their P3.5-M transport and delivery vehicle.

Further, Pangantucan, Maramag, Kalilangan Farmers’ Dairy Cooperative (PMKFDC) of Pangantucan and PITAC Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) of Malaybalay City, both from Bukidnon are set to avail P3.5-M for the purchase of a refrigerated van and equipment for the enhancement of their milk processing plant and P5-M for the purchase of a wing van, respectively.

For the FCAs’ part, they have inked the agreement through their respective chairpersons: Romil C. Ravilla (MFARCC), Weny N. Enterina (KMDARC), Rodolfo Belleza (PMKFDC) and Christery May Dinoy (PITAC MPC).

As counterpart for the said program, all beneficiaries have also counterparted at least 20% of the total project cost.

Locally funded for the current year, the Kadiwa program is implemented by DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.# (TJTL)

Agri-10 lauds the YFC regional and provincial winners in a simple ceremony.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the recent conduct of the provincial level judging for the second batch of the 2023 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, officially awarded the ten outstanding provincial awardees and two regional awardees in Northern Mindanao, on November 30 here.

The event honored the youth in the region for their outstanding contributions to the development of the Philippine agri-fishery industry that is implemented through the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Said winners from the provincial level will receive P80K for their start-up capital, and the regional winners will also receive P150K in the form of competitive financial grant assistance from DA.

Below is the complete list of the provincial and regional YFC honorees with their corresponding agri-enterprises by province:

Provincial Awardees

Misamis Oriental
1. Allaine Mae G. Janolino – Aling’s Native Chicken

Camiguin
2. Dianie N. Jadman – Stingless Bees Colony and Honey Production
3. Alpha G. Jalagat – Green Leafy Hydroponic Farm (Lettuce production)

Misamis Occidental
4. Jury Rey A. Catapang – OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics
5. Jumar J. Pacas – Oyster Mushroom Production (Growing House Enhancement)

Cagayan de Oro City
6. Sandy Ver M. Obsioma – Dolyn’s Integrated Farm Bukidnon
7. Jayhan M. Pedros & April Gay A. Abasula – Salsalan Goat Farming
8. Jayasree Harsha A. Bayag – Natural Sweetener: Stevia by-products
9. Loover B. Veloso – Veggie Krunch Crackers
10. Edrea Mae T. Onduran – Dream’s Arabica Coffee

Regional Awardees

Misamis Oriental
1. Ariel Alber R. Arbuis – Isidro’s Hito Farming
2. Michael Angelo L. Losito – Pak na Bet

Present during the activity is DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, AMAD Assistant Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, and other DA staff.# (RDME)

Agri-10 supports for a VAW-free Philippines and honors the outstanding rural women across Northern Mindanao.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) is one with the government in its campaign for unity toward Violence Against Women-Free (VAW-free) Philippines.

In a symposium organized for the observance of the annual 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) in this city, on Wednesday, November 29, DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado affirmed the agency’s stand in supporting causes creating safe spaces for the vulnerable segment of the community, the women and children, in particular.

To rally advocacies on the prevention and response to gender-based violence, the youth and women groups in CdeO City were apprised on the salient provisions of the Anti Violence Against Women and their Children Act (RA 9262), and the prevention of early, child and forced marriage among children.

Apart from criminalizing violence on women and children, the symposium highlighted the importance of communicating government programs in education, economy and health as strategic approach to curtail gender-based violence.

To recognize the role and contribution of women in agricultural development, the DA-NorMin’s Gender and Development (GAD) Unit together with the Department of Agriculture Women Employees’ Association (DAWEA) honored NorMin’s Outstanding Rural Women to highlight the 2023 anti-VAWC symposium.

Mylin V. Tayapad of Lagonglong town, in Misamis Oriental was hailed as NorMin’s Outstanding Rural Woman this year.

Tayapad’s awe-inspiring story spread across her triumph in outfighting cancer to founding and leading a women’s livelihood organization in her community, and how she upturned her family’s life with agriculture.

Fe Q. Sangco of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and Francis B. Malatamban from Malaybalay City, also in Bukidnon, were lauded as the second and third placer, respectively of the search for 2023 NorMin’s Outstanding Rural Woman.

The winners received cash prize worth P50k, P30k and P20k, respectively, a plaque of recognition and token from DA-NorMin.

As the search’s regional winner, Tayapad will represent NorMin in the national leg of the competition, the “Gawad Parangal sa Katangi-Tanging Kababaihan sa Kanayunan” of DA.

“We support the endeavors that uplift women with inclusivity in providing equal opportunity and equipping them with skills to innovate and participate in the development of the (agriculture) sector,” Dir. Collado remarked.

Member agencies of the DA-NorMin Regional Management Committee (RMC) – the ATI, PCC, NFA, NMIS, NIA and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC-10) also participated in the symposium.# (ATT)

DA-10 turns over P4.78-million worth of agricultural interventions to MARBFC and BLMC of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, grants more than P4.78 million (M) worth of agricultural interventions to two outstanding farm clusters from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on December 4, 2023.

This after the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (MARBFC) and Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative (BLMC) took home the coveted championship in the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), in collaboration with DA through its national Corn program’s Corn and Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Awards (CCMEA).

Of which, said awards recognize the laudable feats of cluster organizations in support to the promotion and development of the corn and cassava industries.

Held at the town’s gymnasium during the awarding of its local government’s three-part food- and nutrition-security contests, DA-10 led by Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga together with Manolo Fortich mayor Rogelio N. Quiño and Gemma G. Cania, municipal agriculturist, conferred a certificate of award amounting to P4,015,800 to MARBFC for being adjudged as the top corn cluster throughout the country.

With over three decades since its inception, MARBFC has bolstered partnerships with different entities to ensure maximum and sustainable yield among its farmer-members, and a guaranteed market for their harvest at the same time.

The group’s roster of agri assistance includes a hauling truck (P3.25-M), 100 bags of hybrid yellow (NK6410BGT) corn seeds (P600K), and 100 bags of complete inorganic fertilizer (P165,800.00).

On the other hand, BLMC’s growth from only seven to being a 353-membered group primarily engaged in cassava growing and inking marketing agreements, helped them clinch the highest prize for the outstanding cassava cluster across all regions.

Still handed over by DA-10 RTD Madriaga along with town officials, Bliss earned a certificate of award in the amount of P765,800.00 for various agri inputs, comprising 100 bags of hybrid yellow (NK6410BGT) corn seeds (P600K), and 100 bags of complete inorganic fertilizer (P165,800.00).

In her message, RTD Madriaga gave paramount importance to adopting DA’s clustering approach as a key strategy toward modernized and industrialized Philippine agriculture while uplifting the lives of farmers.

“Atong gi-aghat atong mga gagmay’ng mag-uuma nga maghugpong sila aron maka-access sila og dinagko na assistance, diin ang ilang interventions na ilang ma-avail dili lamang limited to seeds, fertilizers or garden tools, apan ma-akip na ang hauling truck, farm tractor, combine harvester ug uban pa.” Dir. Madriaga said.

With the poured assistance serving as government investments to the winning coops, she reminded the awardees saying “ampingan ninyo ang mga butang [agri interventions] aron molahutay siya ug mapuslan dugay sa mga miyembro sa kooperatiba ug aron mahimo kamong modelo sa inyong komunidad ug madasig pa ang ubang grupo sa lungsod nga molambo pod.”

Besides the presentation of the CCMEA honorees before their hometown, Mayor Quiño lauded them for bringing glory to the municipality, including those who have responded to the LGU’s-spearheaded contests such as the 1st Communal Garden, 2nd Gulayan sa Paaralan and 3rd Utanan sa Tugkaran contests, participated in by 45 schools and 22 barangays, for embodying the spirit of cooperativism that contributes to Manolo Fortich’s quest in achieving food and nutrition security.

The local chief executive also commended their efforts as he recognized their integral role in the advancement of the municipality, even encouraging them to sustain their support in the different development programs of the government.
It can also be recalled that in mid-November in Quezon City, DA and ATI formally honored the champion clusters with each receiving P2-M for the purchase of various agri inputs to help them amplify their farming operations, livelihood and income.

Also gracing the activity are other local officials: Committee on Agriculture Chairperson, Councilor Raquel Bayacag and Committee Chairperson on Farmers, Councilor Elzevir A. Dagunlay; Fe Q. Sangco, second placer of the Search for 2023 NorMin Outstanding Rural Women, still from the said municipality; and the Corn program staff from DA-10. # (JLO)

Pundasan National High School in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental avails agri inputs from DA-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a bid to strengthen its Gulayan sa Paaralan program, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over assorted vegetable seeds and gardening tools to the Pundasan National High School (PNHS) in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on December 4, 2023 at the agency compound.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Program Director Joel S. Rudinas and High-Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan turned over 10 packets each of 5-in-1 Pinakbet and Sinigang seeds, 10 light hoe, 10 shovel, 4 sprinkler, 10 seedling tray and 10 bolo to PNHS Teacher III Joed Ryan T. Pit.

Pit shared that through the provisions, they aim to promote sustainable agriculture and proper nutrition through a hands-on learning experience among students.

“We plan to integrate this to our Grade 7 and 8 students in which they can benefit through the conduct of our feeding programs,” he concluded.# (AMBManto)