DA-10 gets approval for its 2025 budget proposal from the RDC-X. This is to fund priority agricultural development programs and projects in the region.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Upon endorsement by its Economic Development Committee, the Regional Development Council – Region 10 (RDC-X) approved for endorsement the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao region’s (DA-NorMin) proposed 2025 budget on Monday, March 25 during its Full Council Meeting, in this city.

DA-NorMin is proposing a P20.32 billion budget in 2025 to fund priority agricultural development programs and projects in the region.

Farm mechanization, farm-to-market road development, production and facility support services, irrigation network services, corn processing center expansion, and metropolitan and agri-based products clustering are among the flagship agricultural programs sought to be funded by the DA-NorMin next year.

DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, told local chief executives present during RDC-X Full Council Meeting that the agency can also support the Halal Food Industry Development Program of the local government units through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a World Bank-funded special project of the DA.

Some 24% of the proposed budget will be lodged under Tier 1 of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), while the remaining 76% will be proposed under Tier 2.# (ATT)

DA-PRDP 10 groundbreaks the Coco Sauce Processing and Marketing subproject in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

MAGSAYSAY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Another IREAP facility will soon rise as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 holds a groundbreaking ceremony for the processing facility for the Coconut Sauce Processing and Marketing subproject on March 19, in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

The said SP, funded under Additional Financing 2 and the European Union (AF2-EU), will include a processing facility and other interventions such as machinery, equipment, and a delivery vehicle totaling Php 23,511,962.42 will benefit the 243 members of the Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MINFARCCO).

On behalf of Regional Executive Director and PRDP-10 Project Director, Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, and SES Unit Head, Cora A. Dumayaca congratulated the cooperative for attaining such achievement.

“The sustainability of the project is our priority. We want to achieve at least 90% food sufficiency. No matter the project’s cost, if we choose to take care of what we receive, we can be successful,” said RTD Dumayaca.

She hopes for the success of the project to benefit the farmer-members of the cooperative.

“Let us look at the projected income for the next 2-3 years and focus on that goal,” Dir. Dumayaca added.

With PRDP’s interventions, the SP’s goal is to increase the farmer’s annual income from Php 79,515.20 to Php 199, 661.19 or 151% after the first year of operation; improve the recovery rate of coconut sap to coconut sauce conversion from 30% to 50%; and increase the number of farmer-members.

Magsaysay Mayor, Charlie B. Buhisan, also graced the ceremony. In his message, he shared that he welcomes any business that will help the community rise from hardships.

“The people of Magsaysay are the most important to me. This facility will help our people to rise from adversity. I envision MINFARCCO to be the mother and model cooperative for Magsaysay because I have so much trust in them. Their coconut sauce is standard for export. I hope that we can sustain this project so we can maintain the livelihood of the members,” Mayor Buhisan said.

In a separate interview, Ediver Joy V. Buyan, MINFARCCO General Manager, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders who helped realize the beginning of the subproject.

“We are grateful for our partner stakeholders, especially DA-PRDP because this will be the answer to improving the lives of our coconut farmers. Based on our experience, our farmers only earn Php15,000 per month without the interventions, but with PRDP, there is an assurance for them that there is a facility that will process their produce,” said Buyan

He further shared that their projected income is to increase beyond Php 20,000 per month and he is looking forward to its sustainability.

The groundbreaking ceremony will mark the beginning of the construction of the civil works and is targeted to be completed by December 2024.#

Region 10’s DA and NMIS officials gather for the latter’s infrastructure proposal.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The officials from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and National Meat Inspection Service-10 (NMIS-10 ) Regional Technical Director Dr. Neonette K. Agreda convened to discuss their infrastructure proposal, recently, at the agency compound.

Said meeting aims to seek advice from the agri chief exec, as they eye for the establishment of a meat laboratory, which is crucial in ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and standards.

Particularly, the laboratory is necessary for the provision of analytical services to detect physical, biological, and chemical contaminants in meat and meat products as mandated by the Republic Act 10536, otherwise known as “The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.”

Director Collado advised them to present their proposal to the Regional Development Council (RDC) for endorsement for possible funding of their proposal.

RDC is mandated by Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996 to review and endorse national plans, programs, and projects proposed for implementation in the region.

The NMIS is a specialized regulatory agency of the DA that is the country’s sole national controlling and competent authority on all matters of meat inspection and hygiene both for locally produced and imported meat.# (RDME)

AEWS and rubber farmers from Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental undergo a training on rubber production with emphasis on PLFD.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To ensure a sustainable rubber industry, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, hosts training on Rubber Production and Pest Management on Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD) at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, here.

On March 21-22, 29 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and 21 rubber farmers attended the training from the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, which aims to educate them to adopt new technologies in rubber production, especially in determining the effective control measures for PLFD, among others.

With recently validated PLFD sightings in some parts of MisOr and Bukidnon, Director Collado emphasized that the capabuild will equip them to maximize rubber yield with an emphasis on adopting sustainable farming practices to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.

Philippine Rubber Research Institute Senior Science Research Specialist Jill D. Villanueva, PhD explained that PLFD is an airborne pathogen causing leaf fall of rubber caused by Pestalotiopsis sp., which affects a plant’s productivity by 30-90%.

Likewise, Dr. Villanueva tackled the prevalence of PLFD on rubber, proper management and its surveillance, while PRRI Science Research Analyst Ronie A. Magdua discussed the establishment and management of rubber nurseries.

To curb the production challenges of rubber, according to Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10’s Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) chief, the center increases its surveillance to find new cases, helps farmers with technical support, and campaigns for the use of fertilizers and the adoption of other Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among rubber farmers.

She added that RCPC is also increasing its production of biological control agents (Trichoderma harzianum) and improving pest diagnosis to correctly identify PLFD, while involving rubber producers, the local government units, and other relevant stakeholders in the process.

Reyzel A. Matawhay, Agriculturist II of the Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Services also underscored their office’s directive for border control and safe agricultural trade, which prohibits the movement and carrying of plant parts and planting materials made of rubber from infected to non-infected areas.

Lemuel Aldin T. Yongco, a rubber technician of Impasug-ong town, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the training, adding that his learnings will assist his fellow rubber farmers and the 500-hectare rubber plantation in their community.

“Thankful kaayo ko kay kini nga training usa ka dako nga oportunidad para sa amoa, daghan ko og nakutlo nga pagtulon-an, especially on how to do preventive measures.” he remarked.

Said activity was spearheaded by DA-10’s Various Production Support Services with its focal person Marnelly Ann P. Flores.# (MPMT)

DA-10 through its AMIA conducts an Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal data gathering in Baungon, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao through its Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA 10) conducts an Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) data gathering on Friday, March 22, in Baungon, Bukidnon.

Held during the annual general assembly of the Liburan Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative, the CC-AMIA 10 team headed by Carmelito R. Lapoot and Joel J. Gabo aimed to customize the ACAP, a digital platform for the generation and dissemination of climate-weather-based farming advisories.

Accordingly, the agri department conducted a Climate Information Services User Needs Assessment of said town, to establish farmers’ understanding and their level of awareness about agro-meteorological and climate-associated hazards.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that it also helps a community identify its existing farming practices and how these are influenced by climatic conditions; thereby, making the necessary adjustments to mitigate potential risks.

Overall, the results of said activity will aid the department through its CC-AMIA 10 in the development of services and interventions tailored fit to the community, whereby farmers are empowered to make informed decisions and adopt farming practices toward a more resilient agricultural future.

Also in attendance are Baungon Mayor Rogelio D. Jaraula, with its Municipal Agriculturist Janel C. Redondo and staff.# (AMIA)

Region 10’s DA and DOLE convene. as the latter eyes to set up a Kadiwa exhibit for workers’ organizations.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened with the Department of Labor and Employment – Northern Mindanao (DOLE-10) on March 22, at the agency compound, to discuss plans to establish a Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) exhibit in support of the latter’s program for workers’ organizations.

The program, dubbed ‘Workers Organization Development Program (WODP) Plus’ is an initiative of the DOLE aimed at empowering workers’ organizations, enhancing labor rights, and promoting decent work.

Of which, DOLE-10 Technical Service and Support Division chief Atheneus A. Vasallo said, the DA can support by facilitating market linkages between local farmers’ cooperatives (agricultural producers) and workers’ organizations (potential consumers) through its KNP exhibit during its local launching slated on April 24, in concurrence with the annual nationwide observance of Labor Day on May 1.

In response, RED Collado said that DA is willing to support the undertaking, as it falls within the agency’s thrust to help local farmers and fisherfolk sell their produce at economical prices while promoting safe and nutritious food to the public.

To ensure a diverse selection of agri-fishery products during the exhibit, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe said that DA will bring in partner farmers’ cooperatives, associations to display and sell rice, vegetables, dairy products, seafood products, and other commodities during the event.# (GDA)

DA-10 welcomes its third batch of newly promoted and appointed employees this year.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – For this year, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) welcomes its third batch of newly promoted and appointed employees, with their oathtaking ceremony administered by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, on March 22, here.

Professionally advancing are the listed employees with their corresponding positions and assigned divisions:

1. Jemseal R. Tigbao – Agriculturist II, Field Operations Division
2. Lope Bagani F. Quiaman – Administrative Aide IV (Human Resource Management Aide), Human Resource Management Section, Administrative and Finance Division

Witnessing the oathtaking rite is the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board Vice-Chair Patrick Ian F. Pedarse and other Board members and secretariat, concerned and other division heads, and personnel of DA-10. # (JLO)

DA-10 culminates in the conduct of Onion derby at its research center in Claveria town.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 caps the series in the conduct of an Allium Derby on March 21, at the Research Center for Hillyland Development, in this town.

The said showcase of onion varieties and technologies marks the third leg of the Allium derby following its conduct in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City (February 15) and at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (February 22).

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, who represented Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, shared that results from the series of derby show that there is a big potential for onion in region 10 and will be one of the agency’s bases for seeds procurement.

“I hope that farmers can learn and adopt technologies from this demonstration to boost Allium production in the region,” she added.

Participating seed companies: Allied Botanical, Corp., Kaneko Seeds, Corp. and Ramgo Seeds as well as partner chemical companies: Envireau Pacific, Inc., Tropi-Cuke, Inc. and Plantacote were also given time to share their respective Allium technologies on how they managed their plots over the 5- to 6-month period.

CdeO-based farmer Honorio S. Cervantes, who is known for his Square Foot Gardening, conveyed, “As an advocate for gardening with only a small area, I will try to innovate on some of the technologies I have learned from here,” further adding that it will be his first time to try on Allium production after seeing the derby results.

Meanwhile, each seed company was assigned 500 square meters and their produce was judged based on the highest yield volume (in kilogram), best quality, and best economic efficiency.

Of which, Allied Botanical, Corp. emerged as champions while Kaneko Seeds, Corp. trailed as the first runner-up and Ramgo Seeds as the second runner-up.

Also supporting the derby were representatives from DA-10’s attached bureaus and agencies: Agricultural Training Institute and Bureau of Plant Industry as well as guests from the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council-10, 58th Infantry Battalion, and MisOr, Bukidnon and CdeO local government units and farmers.# (AMBM/Photo credits: RDME)

DA-PRDP 10 convenes with PLGU MisOr to enhance their subproject proposals.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A two-day technical review of the proposals of the municipalities in Misamis Oriental with their subproject under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) was conducted by the Provincial Local Government Unit of MisOr on March 20-21, in this city.

MisOr Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit Head Stanley B. Uriarte said that the activity aims to enhance the proposals and feasibility studies of the municipalities following the guidelines and requirements of the different DA-PRDP components and units.

“We hope that with this activity, we can help focus on the completion of the documentary requirements, so we can be included in the roster of subprojects for review and approval. We invited the DA-PRDP 10 team to help us with our proposals. We will utilize this time to enhance and comply with the lacking requirements,” Uriarte said.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado reminded the concerned municipalities that they need to submit the accomplished proposals to the Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10) by April for their proposals to be included in the next prioritization run.

He also emphasized that should the municipalities need technical support, the DA-PRDP 10 staff are willing to lend a hand.

The following are the municipalities who wished to submit their proposals to DA-PRDP: Balingoan – Integrated Cassava Processing and Marketing (IREAP) Magsaysay – Concreting of Tibon-tibon-Cabalawan- Mindulao-Tama FMR with Bridge (IBUILD) Medina – Concreting of Mananum Daan Kabolbakol FMR with PSCG Bridge (IBUILD) Talisayan –Concreting of Pangpangon-Puting Balas-Sibantang- Mahayag FMR (IBUILD).

Present during the said activity are Balingoan mayor Aaron Paul S. Unabia and staff, Magsaysay mayor Charlie B. Buhisan and staff, Medina mayor Donato N. Chan and staff, Talisayan mayor Rico T. Taray and staff, PLGU MisOr officials and staff, and DA-PRDP 10 component and unit heads and representatives.# (CRS)

The aggie department in NorMin increases employees’ awareness of fire safety during its Monday convocation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, were apprised of fire safety, to increase awareness and encourage the adoption of safety precautions on March 18, at the agency compound.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, the month of March was declared as Fire Prevention Month.

For this year, the observance centers on the theme: “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” which underscores the importance of unity and cooperation in ensuring fire-safe and disaster-resilient communities.

During DA-10’s Monday mini program, the Bureau of Fire Protection-Region 10 (BFP-10) Fire Officer 1 (FO1) Kynn M. Cemacio and FO1 John Paul G. Amiscaray shared with the agency personnel the importance of fire safety within the workplace, and extending it even in one’s home.

According to Cemacio, fire safety is a shared responsibility and this can be carried out by enjoining everyone to practice ‘SAFETY’ should fire incidents occur, which stands for Sound the alarm, Alert the nearest fire station, Fight fire, Evacuate, Tell others, and You, securing one’s self.

“Safety is of the utmost importance and ensuring the safety of individuals and properties is crucial in preventing fire incidents and minimizing their impact,” he said.

Information on how to prevent fires, what to do in case of a fire emergency, and the importance of having working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers were tackled in reducing the risk of fires and ensuring the safety of employees.

Said lecture is one among the agency’s steps to not only raising awareness on fire safety, but more so, in developing a culture of safety and preparedness within the office premises. # (RDME)