DA-10 hosts a corn derby with private seed companies for this wet cropping season, starting off in its research complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado together with private seed companies, introduces the latest yellow and white corn varieties via a corn derby, kicking off with a ceremonial planting here, on May 16, 2023.

The activity aims to champion the performance of 17 corn cultivars this wet cropping season under said area’s soil and climatic conditions at an elevation of 968 meters.

According to Dir. Collado, the corn derby will be a good showcase for corn farmers to witness first-hand the performance of different corn varieties in terms of their yield, resistance to pests and diseases, drought tolerance, production cost and returns, when selecting their preferred cultivars.

Eight seed companies participated, bringing in their respective corn varieties, with each being planted to a 764 square meter area in the agency’s research complex, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).

These include Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (NK505BGT), Bayer (DK8899S and DK8131S), Bioseed Research Philippines (H101G and B9909G), Corteva Agriscience (P3660YHR, P3645YR and P4124YHR), RJR Agro-Industrial Enterprises (Maharlika 315, Maharlika 514 and Maharlika 8888), and Evo Gene Seeds, Corp. (Evo 9307).

Rounding up the list of participating entities are Asian Hybrid Seed Tech, Inc. (AH Supreme 5150 and J505) and Vigour Seeds Dev., Inc. (Mais Swerte, Maize D30 and Mais Tisa), with the last two entities deferring their planting due to their early maturing corn variety entries.

“We thank DA-10 for this [corn derby] initiative as this will be a great help for our corn farmers to determine which cultivars are appropriate and fit to be planted here in Northern Mindanao,” Allan L. Presillas, Research and Development manager of Vigour remarked, as their company embarks on their first ever participation.

In a briefing, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot also reminded them as DA-10’s partner seed companies to provide packages of their planting protocol for proper generation of corn derby results, at the same time for information-dissemination purposes.

For the current year alone, DA-10 is set to procure Php265.2-million hybrid yellow corn seeds intended for 22,100 hectares of corn farms.

Leading the ceremonial planting is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM and other staff from the Research and Operations divisions of DA-10, and representatives from the seed companies. # (JLO/Photo credits: RDMElloren)

DA-10 through the 4Ks program provides P613K agri-interventions to Manobo-Matigsalug tribe association.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program turned over P613K worth of agricultural interventions to the Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalug Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) of San Fernando, Bukidnon on May 11, 2023.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado together with Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, conferred the certificate of turnover to Datu Martin P. Dagoluan, MINTIGMAMATA chair.

The roster of agri-interventions comprises cattle (10 heads), piglets (6 heads), forage seedlings (100 pieces), free range chicken (2 packets), cacao certified seedlings (100 pieces), upland rice seeds (8 bags), Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seeds (7 bags) and organic fertilizer (35 bags).

According to RED Collado, the interventions intend to strengthen the agricultural and livelihood sectors of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs), as well as assist its surrounding communities.

“Isip usa ka lumad nga nagbarog sa naghimo og panginabuhian sa tribo, ako nagpasalamat sa DA-10 sa dakong suporta nga gihatag. Kini dako na og tabang sa mga miyembro alang sa pagpanginabuhi matag adlaw,” said Datu Dagoluan.

[As an IP who stands for the livelihood of the tribe, I thank DA-10 for the great support it has given to the members for their livelihood.]

4Ks Focal Person April Grace M. Racines also detailed that the project is funded under various banner programs and special projects of the agency, namely: Livestock, High Value Crops Development, Rice, Corn, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa (BP2).

Together with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and other partner organizations, the DA-4Ks was developed to advance food security and improve opportunities for livelihood in order to improve the welfare and living standards of tribal people.# (MPMTablon)

DA-10 through HVCDP conducts a SNAP Hydroponics Training on PDLs in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure available food and promote urban agriculture practices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA RFO – 10) through DA-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducts a Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) Hydroponics Training on May 12, 2023, in this city.

Thirty Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from the Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Male Dormitory training attended the training which was facilitated by the department’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

DA-10 Agriculturist II Ronald Ian Camaddo briefed the participants on the potential of SNAP hydroponics, a system that utilizes mineral nutrient solution in water for vegetable production.

“It is a sustainable production system even under urban setting and we are able to obtain high quality produce requiring lesser maintenance,” Camaddo added and later demonstrated the procedure using Lettuce seeds.

Meanwhile, Senior Jail Officer 3 Aldous S. Ybañez shared that they are planning to continue to adopt the hydroponics system in their area.

“Training like this is beneficial to our PDLs, especially since they are able to earn from it. It would also be of great use to them when they are set free,” he concluded. # (AMBManto)

DA-PRDP 10 turns over the P8.5-M abaca project to Tambo Farmers Marketing Cooperative in Munai, Lanao del Norte.

MUNAI, LANAO DEL NORTE – Another remarkable feat is felt by the members of the Tambo Farmers Marketing Cooperative (TFMC) as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) turns over the Abaca Fiber Processing and Marketing project on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

The subproject, worth PHP 8,547,972.73 includes a delivery van, decorticating machine, and bailing machine along with a transformer to power the equipment.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado, congratulated the coop for the said achievement.

Director Collado further emphasized that the subproject will help expand the abaca fiber processing and marketing activities through the provision of value-adding equipment and logistic support.

It further aims for increased volume and improved quality of fiber outputs, resulting in increased incomes and improved livelihoods of farmer members.

“I am proud to see the eagerness of the cooperative in availing this subproject under DA-PRDP. Your presence today is a manifestation of support for the successful implementation of this project as it opens economic opportunities for the TFMC abaca farmers and the residents as well. Your efforts towards agricultural development are worthy of emulation,” he added.

Munai Municipal Mayor Racma D. Andamama shared, “I am overwhelmed today because the people who supported and helped in making this turnover possible are here. This will be the beginning of our journey to progress. Surely, our humble municipality will see great heights.”

Meanwhile, Lanao del Norte Provincial Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo challenged Mayor Andamama and other officials to continue their plans to further develop the province.

Gov. Dimaporo stressed that as public officials, it is their social responsibility to look after the welfare of their constituents.

“We are now witnessing the fruits of our labor as this infrastructure and enterprise project endowed to the town of Munai by DA-PRDP will mark a positive impression of a progressive municipality and eventually the province of Lanao del Norte will become the food basket of Northmin,” Gov. Dimaporo added.

After fully accepting the duties and responsibilities as co-owner of the subproject, TFMC Chairman Ali O. Raso shared that the cooperative has gone through many struggles in order to avail the project.

He said that despite difficulties, he is still grateful because the said project will help in the agricultural development of the municipality and the province as well.

Witnessing the turn-over ceremony are former LDN Governor and 2nd District Representative, Abdulla D. Dimaporo, Munai Vice Mayor Abdulazis A. Batingolo, dignitaries and officials from the municipalities of Bacolod, Tagoloan, Kauswagan and Kapatagan, and officials and members of TFMC.#

DA-10 holds a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a P5.3-M biosecurity swine facility in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture – 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Farmer-Director Reynaldo M. Cabanao led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P5.3 million biosecured swine facility at Barangay Rebucon, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, recently.

Dir. Collado said that the project aims to improve the local swine industry and adopt a calibrated repopulation strategy to restore the sector’s ability to generate an adequate quantity of hogs and pork.

“Through this project, people can allocate the stocks for breeding in which the local population will have a means of livelihood,” RED Collado added.

Beside the facility, the agency will provide 300 head of swine piglets worth P2.5 million and 550 bags of feeds, drugs and biologics amounting to P1.4 million, after its completion.

As counterpart, the local government unit provided the lot for the project which has a total land area of 1,197 square meters, wherein 331.8 sq. m. will be used for the facility.

The soon-to-rise facility will have a perimeter fence, climate-controlled animal house, waste management, basic farm equipment, and a shower area.

DA-10 Livestock Focal Person Jamaica L. Docdoc added that project will be managed by the LGU under funding from the National Livestock Program (NLP) through its program called Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE).

LDN Provincial Operations Center chief Engr. Abdulharris P. Paporo, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Larry E. Paraluman, officials at the provincial and municipal level, and LGU representatives were also present during the ceremony. # (MPMTablon)

DAEA-10 newly elected officials take oath before DA-10 RED Collado

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Nine newly elected officers of the Department of Agriculture Employees’ Association, Inc. (DAEA-10), the employees’ association of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), took their oath of office on May 17, 2023 at the agency compound, in this city.

Administering the oathtaking ceremony is Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, in the presence of outgoing board of directors, Patrick Ian F. Pedarse and Lourdes P. Rudinas.

Below is the list of the newly inducted DAEA officers:

1. Jenny D. Alcobilla
2. Angelilah T. Cabig
3. Engr. Rona M. Quiao
4. Engr. Alden C. Tapio
5. Marilou C. Hebia
6. Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM
7. Novie T. Suello
8. Joel J. Gabo
9. Gay Nanette R. Aleria

Jasaan Mayor Redentor S. Jardin is thankful for the said intervention, as it will economically help his constituents, particularly the farmers, in the municipality as an added livelihood opportunity.

“This intervention will also help the farmers with their daily food supply since the multiplier farm will not only serve as a livelihood project but a potential source of food, as well, which our beneficiaries can provide to their families.”

The local chief executive also said that a training will be conducted for the project-beneficiaries so they can better manage the chicken stocks.

Meanwhile, Junny B. Cellion, officer-in-charge, municipal agriculturist of Jasaan, said that they will prioritize areas with high cases of malnourishment.

“It’s like hitting two birds with one stone through this enterprise; we are providing livelihood to the association, and at the same time, provide food, especially for their children.”

Likewise, RED Collado lauded the LGU for being one of the project-recipients, and reminded to utilize it well so more farmers and residents can benefit from it.

As agreed, part of the responsibilities of LGU Jasaan is to repay at least 10 head per female parent stock to be delivered annually within three years, and will start on the second year after the turnover. Once fulfilled, the recipients will then own the project fully.

Also present in the turnover ceremony are the officials of the barangay Capistrano headed by Barangay Captain Nestor R. Flores, Jasaan Vice Mayor Jannus Ray A. Estor, LGU Jasaan and DA-10 Staff.# (CRSeraspe)

Agri-10 provides veggie seeds in support to XSF’s food security efforts.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In an effort to meet the need for food security among the region’s indigenous peoples communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA RFO-10) headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Xavier Science Foundation (XSF).

A total of 60 packets of vegetable (pinakbet and sinigang) were handed over by DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Kersten S. Pagalan to XSF project staff Mark Auditor at the agency compound.

The said provision is in support of the foundation’s food security program dubbed as ‘Mt. Kalatungan BioCon: Creating Innovative Environmental Solutions and Sustainable Livelihoods’ which aims to promote sustainable agriculture and increase access to fresh food through community gardening.

It further addresses the escalating climate and biodiversity challenges in the 21 barangays within the Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park landscape.

“We are coordinating with six indigenous peoples organizations (IPOs) in Talakag, Pangantucan, and Maramag for the project implementation, and are aiming to establish at least 10 family-beneficiaries of the said initiative,” Auditor said.

He added that XSF is grateful for DA-10’s eagerness to partner and support the initiative for the IP communities in Northern Mindanao.# (GDAndres)

Inter-agencies collaborate for the conduct of the first ever Philippine Coffee Quality Competition, held at CMU, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – In preparation for the annual Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), the Northern Mindanao Coffee Council in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Central Mindanao University (CMU), Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), ACDI VOCA – PhilCAFE project holds the first Regional Coffee Evaluation on March 14-17, 2023 at Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

The activity opened an avenue for the evaluation of the quality of coffee beans of the farmers and at the same time, provided feedback for improvement in terms of production and postharvest activities.

In order to identify the best quality coffee in the region, the participating farmers have submitted coffee bean samples, underwent a four-day evaluation through coffee Q grading, roasting, calibration and cupping.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and RPCO 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado, extended his appreciation to the organizers of the activity, leading the farmers to produce quality coffee in the region that can compete in the global market.

He further said that the agency will continue its mandate to assist the recipients/beneficiaries in their goal of reaching the international market.

Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA Provincial Operations Center (POC) Chief for Bukidnon said, the activity will enable the stakeholders to converge and improve their quest for increasing production and income.

“DA through the Philippine Rural Development Project and the High Value Crops Development Program has provided different interventions in pursuing high-quality coffee, aside from capacitating the farmers’ cooperatives, associations producing coffee,” said Lopez.

She added that the collaborative effort is a great opportunity for the coffee farmers to brace in the Annual Philippine Coffee Quality Competition.

She noted that Northern Mindanao has competitively engaged at the international level as Bukidnon coffee proves with several breakthroughs with a strengthened collaboration and support both from the government and other organizations.

During the awarding ceremony on March 18, 2023, farmers from the province of Bukidnon dominated both coffee categories as Primitiva Mahumot from Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, Bukidnon was hailed the top spot for the Robusta category while Manolito Garces of New Eden, Pangantucan, Bukidnon placed first under the Arabica category. #

DA-PRDP 10 spearheads a series of project orientation to gain support from interested LGUs for the upcoming PRDP scale-up.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- In order to gain support from the local government units (LGUs) for the upcoming PRDP scale-up, a series of project orientation is scheduled by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) to the interested local government units in the region.

Recently, the City government of Cagayan de Oro confer with the DA-PRDP 10 team headed by DA-10 Regional Executive Director and Regional Project Coordination Office Director Carlene C. Collado for the project orientation, as the city is eyeing to propose subprojects (SPs) both under the IBUILD and IREAP components which include farm-to-market road and storage facility.

The said orientation focuses on the new and improved innovations and subprojects offered in the enterprise development component and will likewise equip the LGUs with the knowledge on the preparation of project proposals including the documentary requirements needed for SP’s approval.

As earlier reported, the proposed PRDP scale-up aims to introduce a more holistic design to address the gaps in the value chains with a focus on improving the efficiency of the food supply chain.#