DA supports the bamboo procurement act for sustainable development in Northern Mindanao.

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON – Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano, together with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, assured its support for the bamboo procurement act during the House of Representative (HREP) – Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Public hearing on August 11, 2023 in Damilag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

According to Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba, Vice Chairman of the Committee, said this venue serves as a consultation regarding a measure entitled an act mandating government agencies to allot at least five percent (5%) of their budget for furniture and fixtures by 2030 using engineered bamboo and other bamboo-based products.

Usec. Savellano expressed his gratitude for the development that can improve people’s lives by providing them with additional income, particularly farmers.

“Ang makikinabang din nito ay ang farmers natin, we just have to teach them on how to propagate, teach them the treatment side. Kasi kung titingnan natin sa mga farm or sa backyard natin, yung mga vegetables na kinakain natin, hindi yan makakatayo kung walang kawayan na sumusuporta, yung mga kinakain nating isda, kung walang gagamitin na katig yung mga mangingisda, di makakarating sa pinagkukunan niya, so kailangan pagtulongan natin,” he conveyed.

Likewise, the meeting focused on using engineered bamboo as an alternative to hardwood for its sustainability and socio-economic impact in the community.

Meanwhie, Dir. Collado extended his support for the draft bill in support of the bamboo development of the country.

“To the 5% allocation of our budget, we are very much willing to support not only the minimum, but we can even support more than 5% through our High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). We will also encourage our Local Government Units (LGUs) and local farmers to venture into the bamboo industry; in fact, we will be buying bamboo seedlings as a gesture of support to the bamboo development,” Collado said.

Also extending their support are the government agencies coming from the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) Executive Director Rene Madarang; Department of Science and Technology, Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), Deputy Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon; Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region X (DENR X), Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado, PhD; National Economic and Development Authority 10 (NEDA 10), Assistant Regional Director Leonila G. Cajarte; and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bukidnon Provincial Director, Famelah Racquel Villanueva.

From the LGUs are Sumilao Mayor Jose Antonio A. Villo, Manolo Fortich Mayor Rogelio N. Quino, Talakag Mayor Vergito Factura, Baungon Mayor Rogelio D. Jaraula, Iligan City Mayor Frederick W. Siao, and Bukidnon Vice Governor Clive D. Quino.

Furthermore, the group also visited Rizome Philippines in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro, where Russell Smith showcased bamboo-based construction materials, including bamboo poles, boards, furniture and fixtures, handicrafts and artworks, and other bamboo products.

Also present during the activity are Xandrix L. Jadman, General Manager of Del Monte Philippines, Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative; Robert Palomares, Home Business Craft; Edgardo C. Manda, Philippine Bamboo Foundation; Lilian Valencia, Bamboo Center of the Iligan Institute of Technology; Cindy Evangelista-Aritrangco Bambuhay; Atty. Olive Owen Garcia, Ultrawoods; Atty. Calvin Patrick Domingo, Chief of Staff, Philippine House of Representatives; Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba, Former 1st District Bukidnon Representative; and Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon, Vice Chair of the Committee SDG, 3rd District of Leyte.#(RDMElloren)

NCCS receives agricultural inputs and tools from DA-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen the bayanihan spirit among stakeholders and partners, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado supports the Brigada Eskwela 2023 of the Department of Education on August 16, 2023, at the agency compound.

DA-10 Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas, Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan turned over vegetable seeds and garden tools to Brigada Eskwela coordinator Charisse Mae E. Cane of North City Central School, Puntod, in this city.

The agricultural inputs consist of 20 packets of 5-in-1 pinakbet seeds (pole sitaw, okra, squash, ampalaya, and eggplant) and garden tools such as a wheelbarrow, plastic seedling tray, light hoe, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo.

According to Cane, the provisions will be used for their Gulayan sa Paaralan to encourage students to engage in urban gardening.# (MPMTablon)

DA-10 stages an Onion derby in its research stations. 

To encourage farmers to venture into Onion production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducts an Allium ceremonial planting in its research stations on August 2-4, 2023.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA said that this marks the first Onion derby in the region and aims to find the best onion varieties in each area, showcase technologies, and expand production areas in the region.

Spearheaded by its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), a total of five seed companies will be showcasing their technologies on onion production in DA-10’s research stations namely: Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan, Bukidnon, Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

“We support DA-10’s initiative as it is beneficial for consumers and farmers alike since onion is an essential spice that we use daily,” shared Andre Abonitalla, Kaneko Seeds Assistant Manager for Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, harvesting and Farmers’ Forum to present derby results and recognize best-performing varieties is scheduled on November 7-9, 2023 for RCUD, RCHD, and NMACLRC, respectively. # (AMBManto)

Iligan City is seen to benefit from the P10-M INSPIRE project from DA-10.

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen and expand the swine production industry in localities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado breaks ground for the P10 million biosecured swine facility at Sitio Mirador, Barangay Tipanoy, Iligan City on August 9, 2023.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the project seeks to elevate the region’s swine industry production.
Madriaga further said, to promote the use of sustainable and biosecured swine production practices, and contribute to food security by ensuring a steady and affordable supply of pork products in Iligan City and nearby communities.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iligan City through Mayor Frederick W. Siao, provided the lot which has a total land area of 1,197 square meters. The LGU will manage and implement the project with strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the outbreak and spread of diseases among swine populations.

According to DA-10 Livestock Focal Person Jamaica L. Docdoc, the project is funded by the National Livestock Program (NLP) through the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program, in which the agency will also provide 300 head of piglets worth P2.55 million, and various agri-supplies (feeds, drugs and biologics) worth P1.4 million, after the completion of the facility.

Witnessing the ceremony were DA-10 Lanao del Norte Provincial Operations Center chief Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo, Sangguniang Panglalawigan (SP) City Councilor co-chair for Food and Agriculture Ma. Paz Teresa C. Zalsos and SP Committee Chair for Food and Agriculture Councilor Samuel P. Huertas, Consultant on Agriculture Kevin R. Fernan and City Agriculturist Marie Ann J. Beley.#

Agri-10 capacitates its employees thru training on effective writing.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – As part of its continuing employees’ development program, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) hold a two-day Effective Writing Training on July 27-28, 2023 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Complex, in this city.

At least 34 DA-RFO 10 personnel from the Office of the Regional Director, Field Operations, Research, Regulatory, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Integrated Laboratory, Administrative and Finance, and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance divisions participated in the training.

In her message, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca underscored the importance and timeliness of the training in honing the DA employees’ written communication skills to better convey the department’s services and activities to its intended stakeholders.

As part of the training, participants underwent a series of lectures and workshops on the fundamentals and styles of technical writing, gender-fair language, Filipinism and culture-sensitive writing.

To harmonize the department’s internal and external communications, the participants also retooled on the DA communication branding and protocol.

Patrick Ian F. Perdarse, DA-RFO 10’s Administrative and Finance Division chief, said the training is imperative in communicating relevant agricultural ideas to DA stakeholders and partners, especially as the department is gearing toward agricultural modernization.# (ATTalib)

PRRI pays a courtesy visit to DA-10 headed by RED Collado.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To discuss potential interventions in bolstering the rubber industry in Northern Mindanao, a research team from the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado on August 7, 2023, at the agency compound, here in this city.

The meeting with PRRI centers on the institute’s plans to gather field data in the province of Bukidnon in line with their research on different rubber-based cropping systems to enhance rubber production in various climatic types in the Philippines.

The said research is being funded by the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

Representing the PRRI were Christine G. Tabaosares, Science Research Assistant; Wendelyn C. Montales, Science Aide; and Kim I. Gonzales, Project Technical Assistant.

Ms. Kersten S. Pagalan, DA-RFO 10 High Value Crops Development Program focal person also attended the said meeting.# (GDA)

DA-assisted, PITAC-MPC signs an MOU with Vitarich for the market of corn.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With its role in providing local farmers and producers access to profitable markets, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, expresses its continued support during the recent virtual signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center – Multipurpose Cooperative (PITAC-MPC) and Vitarich, Corp.

RED Collado graced the event, as the two parties sealed a marketing agreement for the supply of corn.

As agreed, PITAC-MPC shall produce corn in accordance with Vitarich’s specifications, while Vitarich shall purchase such corn directly from the Coop.

Per MOU, Vitarich shall purchase its corn requirements from PITAC-MPC at an agreed price range of market prices within CdeO City plus P1 as provided in the Purchase Order covering the purchase of 500 metric tons (MT) of corn, and anything above 500 MT will be negotiable.

According to Dir. Collado, the marketing agreement serves as a model for direct market linkage where farmers are offered better prices by the processors.
He added that it will encourage more farmers to sustain their production and strengthen the region’s corn industry with the procurement of corn from local farmers; thereby, increasing farmers’ productivity and income.
“This MOU will be a catalyst to help the expansion of corn production in Northern Mindanao, and also contribute to improve and sustain the food supply chain in the entire country,” the regional executive director remarked.

During the MOU signing, representing Vitarich, Corp. is Executive Vice President and Corporate Management Services Director, Stephanie Nicole S. Garcia, PITAC-MPC Christery May C. Dinoy, Board of Directors chairperson, and witnessed by DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Larry E. Paraluman.# (RDMElloren)

Agri-10 holds its yearly LGU Coordination meeting with R-10 LGUs to ensure compliance for fund transfers and liquidations of agricultural projects.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In an effort to ensure compliance to existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations for fund transfers and liquidations of agricultural projects granted to Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, hold its annual LGU Coordination Meeting recently at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops Livestock Research Complex, in this city.

Spearheaded by the DA-RFO 10’s accounting section, the coordination meeting is an avenue for bilateral dialogue to address challenges encountered by DA and the LGUs in terms of inventory and liquidation of agri projects funded under the agri department’s banner programs and special projects this year and the preceding years.

Some 207 LGU accountants and agriculturists from the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental attended the meeting.

DA-RFO 10 Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse said the meeting aims for DA and the LGUs to level-off on a mechanism for optimal utilization of DA funds.

He also acknowledged the LGUs’ roles as DA’s partners in extending its services to the peripheries of the agriculture sector to provide sufficient and affordable food for all.

Ways forward for the resolution of identified issues in complying with the reportorial requirements and timelines for the submission thereof were consensually agreed in the meeting, and be adopted as guidelines in accounting and liquidating DA projects granted to the LGUs and their constituents.# (ATTalib)

Newly promoted DA-10 employees take oath of office

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Nine promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently took their oath of office before DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, on August 1, 2023 at the agency compound, in this city.
The newly promoted employees are:

1. Lorena V. Duna – Chief Science Research Specialist
2. Janniver C. Chua, DVM – Supervising Agriculturist
3. Jocelyn M. Ellevera – Senior Science Research Specialist
4. Judith A. Maquiso – Senior Science Research Specialist
5. Mischelle F. Egama – Science Research Specialist II
6. Jess Erick Y. Co – Administrative Officer III
7. Maria Teresa C. Cagas – Science Research Specialist I
8. Eleazar A. Jumalon – Science Research Assistant
9. Larry C. Nagac – Administrative Assistant III

In his message, Collado addressed the promoted employees and challenged them to assume increased responsibilities.

“In the years you have worked with DA, you have shown your commitment to public service, which we hope will be even more strengthened by this new opportunity to serve our farmers, fisherfolk, and the Filipino people. Make good use of your positions so that we may continue to deliver our services and participate in the development of the agency,” RED Collado said.

Supporting the said ceremony were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, members of the agency’s Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, and other DA-10 officials.# (ACPUy)

The Regional Soils Laboratory of Agri-10 undergoes BSWM audit.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) undergoes the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) audit on August 2-4, 2023, in this city.

The Technical Evaluation and Audit Team (TE&AT) of BSWM administered a three-day audit to assess RSL’s soil analysis services.

Key operational areas such as manpower requirements, the physical layout of the laboratory facility, soil laboratory equipment and apparatus, test methods, quality control, and laboratory procedures were evaluated by the BSWM TE&AT as part of the audit.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said the RSL primarily functions to perform laboratory analyses and offers recommendations for the appropriate use of soil, water, plants, fertilizers, and other essential components for crop production.

Based on the data gathered after the audit, the BSWM TE&AT shall endorse Laboratory Assessment Report to BSWM Director for the issuance or non-issuance of License to Operate – Soil Laboratory (LTO-SL) to DA-RFO 10’s RSL.

Pursuant to PD 1435, DA-RFO 10 RSL Chief, Engr. Elena C. Susaya said the development and operation of every soil laboratory are being supervised, regulated, and controlled by BSWM to ascertain standard operations of soil laboratories in the country. #(MPMTablon)