DA-10 reaffirms support for affordable nutrition in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In observance of the Nutrition Month, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, reaffirmed its support for affordable nutrition in Northern Mindanao, during the Talakayan sa Philippine Information Agency (Talakayan sa PIA) on July 20, in this city.

With the year’s theme, “Healthy diet gawing affordable for all”, the Nutrition Month celebration centers on raising public knowledge of the value of a healthy diet in preserving health and preventing diet-associated diseases, and dissemination of useful knowledge regarding nutrient-rich foods, balanced diet, and healthy eating practices.

In an interview with PIA, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga highlighted the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program (KNP) of DA as a key initiative of the Department in making fresh and affordable agri-fishery products more accessible to the consumers to help address food insecurity and malnutrition.

Farmers and fishers can sell their products directly in identified KNP centers across the region to help them earn higher income by eliminating middle traders in the value chain, while providing the public with cheap and nutritious food options.

National Nutrition Month is observed every July in the Philippines, by virtue of Presidential Decree 491, which was signed into law in 1974.

The Talakayan was also attended by representatives from the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-X, CdeO City Health Office (CHO), Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) from Barangay Balulang, and members of local media.# (MPMTablon)

LARC, a corn and rice-based farmers’ group from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon receives a P3-M combine harvester from DA-10.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Linabo Agrarian Reform Cooperative (LARC), a ninety-active-membered farmers’ group is eyed to augment their productivity and income after being granted a combine harvester worth P3 million (M) from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

On July 21, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD together with Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10 led in conferring the certificate of turnover thru the City Government of Malaybalay helmed by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran represented by its Chief Executive Assistant Anthony James Mondia, and finally, to the benefitting coop, LARC led by its Chairperson Aurelio E. Salem.

Pooled from CY 2022 funds under the agency’s Corn program, said unit is a grain crop, labor- and time-saving harvesting machine that combines reaping, threshing, cleaning and bagging into a single operation.

It is targeted to serve LARC’s existing production area, which is composed of 236.7 hectares for corn, and 196.7 hectares for rice, with a potential area of 200 hectares.

Dr. Guzman urged them to value and maximize the use of said machinery by setting aside funds for its repair and maintenance, which would overall help elevate LARC’s operations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mondia noted the synergistic efforts – from the national, provincial, city and down to the barangay governments, for the acquisition of a combine harvester unit that would directly benefit the farmers in barangay Linabo.

In response to the messages of support and anchoring on the coop’s mission of uplifting the life of its members and agrarian reform beneficiaries, LARC chairperson Salem is grateful that the government has seen its potential to manage the combined harvester.

Likewise, the coop head committed that under his wing, they will exercise responsibility, accountability and transparency, in whatever available resources they have for the benefit of their members, fellow farmers and their community.

Apart from the provided machinery, LARC has also availed other forms of assistance from DA-10 such as agricultural inputs and financial assistance.

Now in its silver year, it continues to venture into production, processing, and marketing, with reach not just limiting to the locality, but also in the cities of Valencia, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and the towns of Maramag and Cabanglasan in Bukidnon.

Also supporting the cooperative during the turnover ceremony is the City Government of Malaybalay thru its agriculture and engineering offices, the local barangay of Linabo, and the Department of Agrarian Reform. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – One newly appointed employee of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took her oath of office on Thursday, July 13.

Teressa E. Sambaan is appointed as the Administrative Assistant III assigned at the Office of the Regional Executive Director (ORED) from being a Project Development Assistant I.

Administering the oathtaking is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, in the presence of DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board chair Carlota S. Madriaga and other ORED staff. #(DLVicente)

DA-10 through its AMAD conducts an InfoCar on FFEDIS.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted an Information Caravan on the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) here in the city.

Created under section 10 of Republic Act No. 11321, otherwise known as Sagip Saka Act and DA Memorandum Circular 25, series of 2020, FFEDIS is a web-based information system that contains a list of possible and implemented programs and projects, a registry of agricultural and fisheries enterprises, and a roster of private companies engage in such enterprises.

Around 23 Young Farmer Challenge (YFC) awardees from Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon as well as two former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) were mustered to the said caravan, in the hopes of further boosting their productivity and enterprise through FFEDIS.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the activity is an avenue for young farmers and OFWs to strengthen their enterprises.

He added, that it will be achieved by establishing a comprehensive and holistic approach in the formulation, coordination and implementation of enterprise development initiatives and intensifying the building of entrepreneurship culture among them.

Registration can be done, either through the FFEDIS Registration Disk at the agency through AMAD or thru a web-based registration using the link https://ffedis.da.gov.ph

Documentary requirements include an accomplished FFEDIS enrollment form, valid business permit, and applicable certificates of registration coming from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Upon completed validation of said documents, the registration officer of DA-10 thru AMAD shall prepare and endorse the FFEDIS Certificate of Registration to the agency head for approval.

As stated in the FFEDIS enrollment form, the data collected will be used in the market matching activities, promotion of agri-fishery enterprises in social media, inclusion in the digital and printed directories of agri-fishery enterprises (AFEs), and information sharing to prospective buyers and sellers.

Further discussed are the credit programs of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and Agricultural Competitive Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending program by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) that aim to increase the productivity of farmers and fisherfolk by providing necessary credit for their enterprises.

Julius A. Vasallo, account officer of LBP CdeO lending center, urged the qualified participants to apply to their program [ACEF] for their capital needs and expansion of their enterprise.

“Since we are into the value chain, LBP is always here to help and I am hoping for your success in this field [agri-fishery based enterprise],” Vasallo conveyed.# (RDMElloren)

DA officials visit Iligan City headed by Mayor Siao, as the department eyes to help agri dev’t in said city.

ILIGAN CITY – Officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) from the national and regional offices led by DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Consumer Affairs Kristine Y. Evangelista paid a visit to Iligan City headed by Mayor Frederick W. Siao, this city.

In the brief meeting, discussions centered on the city’s agricultural development plan, particularly on the availment of DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa program intended for their facility transportation, and machinery for their abaca production.

Mayor Siao also tackled the potential agricultural land of the city for dairy production and the establishment of a research complex in support of their feasibility studies that may help farmers, including Indigenous People communities uplift their livelihood and income.

According to DA-Regional Field Office 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, the realization of the cited interventions will also help increase the productivity and competitiveness of the city’s farming population, employment opportunities, and public and private partnerships in key agricultural areas.

In support of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program, ASec Evangelista urged the city officials to encourage more young farmers to engage in agri-fishery enterprises and guide them every step of the way to become more productive.

In addressing to their request, she further encouraged the city officials to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) as a way forward for their needs in developing and maximizing the city’s agricultural sector’s growth.# (RDMElloren)

DA-10 inks MOU to contribute in mitigating hunger and reducing poverty under EPAHP. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado inks the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program on July 13, 2023, at the agency compound.

The program aims to aid in reducing hunger, eliminate poverty in urban and rural areas, including marginalized communities, and ensure food security.

With the said agreement, DA-10 shall provide agricultural and fishery inputs and services, capacity building, and organizational strengthening assistance to farmers and fisherfolk organizations.

Also, assist groups acquire funding from microfinance and other credit institutions and mobilize resources for agricultural produce cultivation, processing, and postharvest facilities.

Other national government agencies have also marked their commitment ahead on June 23, 2023.

It can be recalled that RED Collado has already signed the same MOU, which previously had a one-year validity, while said document that the DA official has just signed, will be in effect until 2028.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and EPAHP – Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) Capacity Building and General Administration Officer Jesamor B. Daculos witnessed the signing.# (MPMTablon)

OneDA family in R-10 attends investment programming workshop spearheaded by PMS-IPD and hosted by Agri-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Eleven DA attached bureaus and agencies participated in an investment programming workshop hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on July 10 to 14, 2023, in this city.

Spearheaded by the Planning and Monitoring Service – Investment Programming Division (PMS-IPD) of the DA-Central Office (DA-CO), the capacity building centered on the foundation and principles of investment programming in an effort to strengthen the policy making and planning of the agency.

In her message, DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Mercedita A. Sombilla underscored the importance of the event and the attendance of the OneDA members, citing that it aligns with DA’s efforts toward the efficient delivery of services for our farmers and the Filipino people.

Event resource speaker and planning consultant Catherine G. Vidar discussed the National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP) Agenda for Transformative Investment and basic concepts on investment planning.

Workshop activities on drafting an investment framework, conducting a problem-solution analysis, and identifying programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) were also conducted.
The said event forms part of a series of capacity building activities by PMS-IPD slated this year for the updating of the Public Investment Program (PIP) 2023-2028 and the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program (TRIP) 2025-2027 as integral input to the formulation of the FY 2025 Plan and Budget.

Heading the PMS-IPD of DA-CO is Joseph C. Manicad, together with Maricar H. Tayco, deputy chief and other staff, while DA attached bureaus and agencies in attendance are PhilFIDA, BFAR, BPI, NFRDI, PCAF, BAFS, PRRI, FPA, BAI, PhilMech and ACPC. # (GDAndres)

DA-10 is set to assist Daesang in tapping more FCAs to supply fresh cassava tubers to said Korean company.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado met with the representatives from Daesang Philippines, Corp., to tap more farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) to meet their volume requirement for cassava.
In a meeting on July 12, 2023 at the agency compound, the Korean company sought assistance from the agri department to forge more partnerships with FCAs to maximize their operations by satisfying their 400 metric tons of fresh cassava tubers requirement per day.
In which, the firm’s manufacturing plant is set to open in August, this year at the Phividech Industrial Estates in Sta. Ana, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
Salient points raised during the meeting are Daesang’s updated buying price, their required starch content which is pegged at 25%, and the potential tie-up of FCAs and said company thru the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
With these concerns, the body agreed to have other rounds of meeting.# (AMBManto)

DA-10 turns over veggie seeds to San Simon National HS

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To instill deeper appreciation among students on agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, recently turned over a total of 30 packets of Open Pollinated Variety of vegetable seeds (5-in-1 value pinakbet pack), to San Simon National High School (SSNHS).

On behalf of RED Collado, DA-10 Assistant Field Operations Division chief Chona H. Nacalaban handed over the seed packets to Mary Flor Babia, SSNHS representative in support to its senior HS students’ practicum.
Funded under the High Value Crops Development Program, said provisions will specifically cater to the needs of the school’s Grade 11 and Grade 12 students under its Agriculture strand for their School Gardening.

Babia said that through the agri inputs, they will be able to promote school gardening in their school, while underscoring in boosting and sustaining food production and self-sufficiency. # (DLVicente)

DA-10 grants CLGU Iligan City with corn seeds and fertilizers. 

ILIGAN CITY – To cushion the impact on farmers on increasing production costs, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over P9.35 million (M) worth of agricultural farm inputs to the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Iligan on Monday, July 10, this city.

Funded by the agency’s Corn Program, DA-10 Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas, together with Lanao del Norte Provincial Operations Center chief Abdulharis P. Paporo, handed over the certificate of turnover of said interventions to Iligan City mayor Frederick W. Siao during the CLGU’s flag ceremony and opening of their Pakaradjaan festival.

Said agri inputs, comprising 1,000 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds amounting to P6-M, will benefit 23 identified farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and some eligible farmer-beneficiaries of the city.

Together with the seeds, 1,000 bags of Inorganic Fertilizer (14-14-14) worth P3-M and 3,500 packets of Bio-N fertilizer (P350K), were also conferred to boost Iligan City’s corn production area and increase farmers’ income through balanced fertilization.

In his remarks, Mayor Siao thanked DA for its continuous support to the city, particularly for the corn farmers to lessen their production costs by providing farm inputs for the upcoming dry cropping season.

“Together with the City Agriculture Office, we will assure the propagation of the assistance from DA to our farmers,” he said.

In an interview, Tiburcio M. Tagactac, president of Scions Rural Farm Workers Association (SRFWA) conveyed, “Malaking bagay talaga ang makatanggap ng libreng abono at binhi, dahil nakakatulong itong maibsan ang gastos sa aming pagtatanim. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa DA at sa aming pamahalaang lungsod sa walang sawang suporta at tulong na binibigay sa aming mga magsasaka ng mais.”

He added that the assistance given to them will benefit the association’s 36 members, covering about 20 hectares of corn area.

Also present during the activity is DA-10 Corn program Agriculturist I Richard G. Apare, Iligan City Agriculture’s Office consultant/focal person Kevin R. Fernan, and city agriculturist Marie Ann J. Beley.# (RDMElloren)