DA-SAAD 10 delivers various agri interventions to FCAs in Misamis Oriental.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Consistent with its commitment to uplifting marginal farmers’ livelihood, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-SAAD NorMin) continues its delivery of various agricultural interventions to farmers’ associations, cooperatives (FCAs) in Misamis Oriental, on February 27-28.

As part of said delivery, the Kaulayanan Strawberry Growers Association of the Sugbongcogon town received 70 bags of chicken manure as the DA-SAAD NorMin’s assistance for its strawberry production enterprise.

Five rolls of chicken net were provided to the Kauswagan Vegetable Farmers Association of Lagonglong town in support of their free-range chicken production enterprise.

Similarly, the Mapua Farmers Agri-Ventures Association of Balingoan town also received 5 rolls of chicken net and 30 pieces of waterer for its free-range chicken production enterprise.

The Mosangot Women’s Producer Cooperative of Binuangan town also received 1 pack of egg tray as the DA-SAAD NorMin’s aid for its chicken egg production enterprise.

On the same occasion, the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division of the DA-10 also conducted a technical inspection of SAAD-granted chillers intended for the Kaulayanan Strawberry Growers Association and the Pugaan-Tangkub Vegetable Farmers Association of the Libertad town.

The technical inspection is a mandatory procedure to ensure compliance with the technical specifications of the procured chillers for optimal utilization of the FCAs.

The concerned farmer’s groups have earlier received other enabling production tools and materials from the DA-SAAD NorMin.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-SAAD NorMin focal person, Carlene C. Collado, the said interventions were provided to SAAD-assisted FCAs in the province to capacitate them in producing viable agricultural products suited to their location, as alternative sources of livelihood.

He added that for its phase 2 implementation, SAAD will be capacitating the FCAs in establishing a sustainable community-based agricultural enterprise.

This will be mainly done by linking the FCAs to appropriate government and private organizations to help them produce, market and process their products.

The DA-SAAD NorMin has been assisting 26 FCAs in priority towns with high poverty incidence across the four provinces in Northern Mindanao. # (ATT)

Agri-10 aims to assist more farmers by providing market support, among other things

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Consonant with its efforts to scale up support for corn farmers in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) convened with the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) to discuss proposed strategies and areas for collaboration eyed to benefit corn farmers in the region, particularly in the province of Bukidnon, on March 4, at the agency compound.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD presided over the meeting which centered on the proposed collaboration of the DA and the Batangas-based cooperative, in line with the latter’s plans to augment their existing supply of corn for the production of mash, pellet, and crumble feeds for swine, poultry, broilers, and ruminants.

“Although we have been sourcing primarily from Luzon, we see the potential in establishing partnerships here in Mindanao, particularly in Bukidnon, and linking the corn producers here to the [SIDC],” said SIDC Business Development Manager Hazel Sastado, who also leads the cooperative’s corn project team for Mindanao.

Currently, the SIDC aims to work with the DA on the construction of a grains terminal facility in Bukidnon, eyed to consolidate a bigger volume of corn but with reduced logistical costs.

During the meeting, SIDC Chief Executive Officer Rico B. Geron also underscored the benefits of fostering DA-assisted partnerships here poised to aid regional agricultural development.

“The [Corn] program of the DA, especially here in Region 10, will be [of] great help for us to link with farmers, explore opportunities for marketing, financing, and other types of services helpful to them,” Geron said.

He also cited the region’s ideal position to meet the high demand for corn among feed millers in Luzon, due to the sizable volume of corn it can produce.

Further, Geron said that they also seek to set up branches here to empower local farmers and aid in increasing the local production of corn.

“SIDC is also looking at setting up branches in Bukidnon to encourage farmers to be members and attain the benefits that the cooperative [provides]. If they have corn planters, we can provide financing, we can supply inputs, and we can guarantee them the market,” the chief officer said.

In response, FOD chief Guzman assured the agency’s support for the initiative, reiterating this endeavor’s implications on the state of agricultural development in the region.

On the other hand, DA-10 Corn program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria also committed to assisting the SIDC in linking with corn clusters and the local government here, for the conduct of future meetings and consultations.

Also present during the meeting were SIDC Board Chairperson Dr. Angelito B. Bagui, Business Development Supervisor Miko Factor, Agriterra business advisors and consultants Jun Virola and Jan Kamphof, and DA-10 Corn program staff.# (GDA)

DA-PRDP 10 through its IPLAN component holds a stakeholder’s consultation to craft a Value Chain Analysis report for Calamansi in Region 10.

TUBOD, LDN – To craft the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) report of Calamansi for Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) through the IPLAN component holds a Stakeholders’ Consultation with calamansi farmers, traders, processors, input providers, and other players of the value chain here, February 28-29, 2024.

In his message, DA 10 Regional Director and RPCO 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado encouraged the stakeholders to be very transparent with the data in the updating of the VCA report.

“Your inputs are vital in the creation of the VCA. PRDP’s priority is to provide interventions and this consultation is the first step in achieving that goal.”

Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte said that under her administration, agriculture is her priority and that it is vital to empower the farmers in LDN.

“If we can help the marketing for our calamansi farmers, why not? We will look for the proper market for our calamansi products, because our variety here in LDN is a unique one. This is my last term, and my priority is agriculture.”

The consultation is a venue to determine the major constraints and raise appropriate interventions to boost the industry in the region.

The data gathered were discussed and validated by the team members from DA, PRDP, LGUs, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the stakeholders.

The inputs from the consultation will be incorporated into the VCA report and could be incorporated in the updated Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) for the province and in the Commodity Investment Plans (CIPs) for the region, which is one of the basic requirements in the investment planning and prioritization of PRDP subprojects and the issuance of No Objection Letter (NOL) 1.

The consultation was attended by stakeholders from Tubod, Lala, Kapatagan, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, this province. #

DA-10 manifests support to the implementation of KADIWA in Bukidnon during the province’s PPCC first quarter meeting.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2024-003, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao Region (DA-NorMin) is set to support the roll out of the Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa Para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (KADIWA) ng Pangulo or KNP in the entire province of Bukidnon.

During the Bukidnon Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC) first quarter meeting on February 27, the DILG presented the salient points of MC No. 2024-003, underscoring the roles of each government agency involved in the conduct of KNP – the Local Government Unit (LGU), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DILG and DA.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, KNP aims to encourage consumer spending to jumpstart the local economy by supporting local farmers to sell agri-produce, providing market opportunities to MSMEs, and ensuring ready access to nutritious and reasonably priced goods and commodities for the local populace.

DA-NorMin commits to supporting Bukidnon Provincial Government’s move to roll out the KNP provincewide. As KNP lead convenor, DA is tasked to ensure an adequate supply of agri-fishery products in every KNP site by tapping local farmers and fisherfolk as sellers.

DA is also tasked to report the number of sellers and their earned income for each KNP participated. Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), DA-NorMin is closely coordinating with the provincial government of the five provinces in NorMin for a synergized conduct of KNP in the whole region.

Bukidnon PPCC urged all LGUs in the province to hold their KNP twice a month, preferably on the 15th and 30th, in compliance with the subject circular. In conjunction with its 2023 action plan, Bukidnon PPCC also pushed for the activation of the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of each town and city in the province.# (ATT)

DAWEA-10 leads the Women’s Month celebration through the conduct of the flea market and bazaar.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In observance of March as Women’s Month, the Department of Agriculture Women Employees Association (DAWEA) will start the monthlong celebration with the opening of a flea market and bazaar tomorrow, March 4, at the DA-10 Compound, Antonio Luna Street, this city.

Participated by the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), invited guests and business owners, the flea market and bazaar will run every Mondays and Tuesdays of the month, March 4-5 (food and dry goods), 11-12 (food and clothes) and 18-19 (food and agricultural produce).

In the kick-off activity, employees of the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) and other participants are encouraged to wear purple dresses/blouse/polo shirts to mark their renewed commitment and support to the celebration’s recurring theme: “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” as well as to the national level’s sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”.

Anchored on said themes, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the department, through its women’s association has lined-up activities this March to recognize women’s achievements and to honor their roles in a more just and equitable society, where women are given equitable opportunities to showcase and harness their full potentials as women toward reaping the benefits of national growth and development.

“The members believe that this is an avenue [celebration] to create greater awareness of the many issues faced by women as well as opportunities of growth spiritually, financially and mentally and promote gender equality, inspire future generations, and create a more inclusive society for all.” Razel Elaine A. Cataluña, DAWEA chairperson added.

The observance also includes activities such as the conduct of the DAWEA General Assembly on March 21, DA-10 Recollection Activity (March 25), and Visita Iglesia 2024 on March 28.

Ahead of the activity at the DA-10 grounds, the agency also participated in the kick-off activity of the Women’s month celebration of the Gender Advocates NorMin, Inc. (GANI), an inter-agency association of women and men in government service in Region 10 along with other members of the Regional Gender and Development Committee last March 1 in Patag, in the city here.

Proclamation No. 227, series of 1988, “Providing for the observance of the month of March as ‘Women’s Role in History Month'” serves as the legal basis for the National Women’s Month celebration signed by President Aquino on March 17, 1988, re-emphasizing the role of Filipino women in the social, cultural, economic and political development throughout our history.# (JLO)

DAWEA-10 gives love gifts to the elderly in CdeO City.

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 the DA Women’s Employees Association (DAWEA) shared love gifts to the elderly at St. Joseph’s Golden Home Foundation, Inc. (SJGHFI) on Wednesday, February 28, this city.

DA-10 Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse together with DAWEA President Razel Elaine Grace P. Cataluña handed over 25 packets of Sinigang vegetable seeds, garden tools, and basic necessities to Jefferson S. Miñoza, a volunteer nurse in the foundation.

Among the garden tools given include 2 light hoes, 10 plastic seedling trays, 2 shovels, 2 sprinklers and 2 weeding bolos and daily essentials and basic needs.

Pedarse added that the DA-10 management commits to fully supporting the association’s present and future programs and projects for the benefit of those in need.

“During the DA general assembly last December, we were able to gather ‘love gifts’ amounting to P15K. We used this to buy basic needs for our chosen charity,” shared Cataluña.

Meanwhile, Miñoza expressed his heartfelt gratitude to DA-10 for its donations to over 8 elderly people under the foundation’s care.

For her part, SJGHFI’s Administrator Sr. Gliceria E. Quising, MCM shared that the volunteers of the foundation will be planting the vegetable seeds in their area as sustenance for their daily needs.

The SJGHFI is a non-government organization (NGO) founded by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro City, with the mission of helping indigent elderly people to actively participate and avail of social programs and services to improve the quality of their lives. # (AMBM & MPMT)

DCIA of Maramag, Bukidnon receives the P2.7-M recirculating dryer from DA-10. 

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) formally turned over 1 unit of rice recirculating dryer to Dagumbaan Communal Irrigators Association (DCIA) on February 27, in this town.

Funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program for LGUs and Cooperatives, the P2.7 million recirculating dryer will benefit the DCIA members who collectively till 429 hectares of rice area.

“This dryer will be very useful for us during the rainy season. When our palay are not properly dried, the quality will deteriorate and no buyer will be interested in buying them” said Romar A. Ramos, DCIA President.

For the sustained operation of the project, Ramos disclosed their association will allocate funds from its collections and earnings for the maintenance of the facility.

With a 6.2 ton capacity and 8 hours drying lead time, the recirculating dryer will help the rice farmers to minimize post-harvest losses by mechanically drying their palay as opposed to sun drying, thus enabling the farmers to optimize their farm earnings.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the grant of such a project is in line with the DA’s goal of modernizing the region’s agriculture industry to boost agricultural production.

The DCIA has previously received 1 unit of farm tractor and 1 unit of rice combine harvester from DA-10.

The association was also granted another set of 1 unit farm tractors and 1 unit rice combine harvester along with a composting facility by the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

In their effort, the DCIA has also acquired one combined harvester to cater to the growing needs of its members.

DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center Chief, Dr. Janet D. Lopez and Maramag Municipal Agriculturist Armand S. dela Cruz in their message stressed the need for the farmers to inculcate responsive and appreciative attitude while embracing modern agricultural technologies to elevate their livelihood.

Representatives of the DA- National Irrigation Administration (DA-NIA), PhilMech and Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation (PCIC) also graced the Turnover Ceremony which was simultaneously held with the DCIA’s General Assembly.

Apart from the DCIA, other eligible farmers’ associations in Malaybalay City, Valencia City, Kitaotao, Sumilao and Kalilangan, in Bukidnon province; and Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental also receive rice recirculating dryer from the DA-10.# (ATT)

DA-10 revisits support for the youth with the Office of Senator Imee R. Marcos.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Through a shared interest to support the next generation of farmers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, discussed with the Office of Senator Imee R. Marcos the agency’s programs and interventions for young farmers in Northern Mindanao, on February 26, at the agency compound.

During the meeting, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with Engr. Jaydrick Yap, representing the lawmaker’s office as focal person for Mindanao, revisited the Department’s Young Farmers Challenge Fund (YFCF) program that seeks to provide funding support for up-and-coming young farmers, as well as established agri-enterprises seeking to upscale their current production.

Cognizant of the aging population of farmers, Yap said that the lawmaker seeks to address this by encouraging a new wave of farmers to engage in agriculture and foster a renewed spirit for self-sufficiency through an entrepreneurial lens.

“Senator Imee continues to champion our young farmers through the annual YFCF search for start-ups and agri-enterprises keen on increasing their current production and profit,” Yap said.

The meeting also tackled potential areas in agriculture for collaboration between the Department and the lawmaker’s office, especially on the specific needs and concerns felt in Region 10.

“The Senator is primarily concerned with understanding the region’s needs and how her current programs can respond to them. Through this meeting, we can touch base with [the DA] and extend the necessary assistance for our farmers in the region,” he added.

In response, RTD Madriaga extended her gratitude to the lawmaker’s office and reiterated the regional office’s usual support and commitment to bolster local farmers and production in Northern Mindanao.# (GDA)

DA-10 through Corn program provides agri inputs to Maramag town coop producing corn and cassava.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Farmer-members of Base Camp Corn Cassava Farmers’ Association (BACOCAFA) of Maramag, Bukidnon are soon eyed to reap the benefits from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10)’s provision of P390K worth of farm inputs.

Withdrawn earlier this month from the agency’s station, 50 bags of hybrid (NK6410BGT) corn seed (P6K per bag at 9 kilos) and 60 bags of inorganic fertilizer (urea) (P1.5K per bag at 50 kilos) were set aside and ceremoniously turned over recently to said association, in a simple ceremony at Purok 11, Brgy. Base Camp.

Funded under the Corn Program, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the production support extended to BACOCAFA aims to ease the farmers’ brunt on the rising cost of agricultural inputs, with emphasis on augmenting farmers’ productivity, income and livelihood.

The agri chief exec added that the intervention will greatly aid in the association’s production of crops as mentioned hybrid corn cultivars are expected to yield 10 tons, while each bag of fertilizer can cover at least 2,500 square meters.

Chaired by Juvelyn Bunales, BACOCAFA cultivates around 214 hectares of land, devoting 140 hectares to corn and 74 hectares to cassava.# (JLO/Photos supplied)

DA Regional ACEF coordinating unit evaluates agri-based business proposals for possible funding. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Head of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF)-Regional Coordinating Unit Carlota S. Madriaga presides over the deliberation of the business proposal for loan application under ACEF, today, February 23, here in this city.

A total of seven business proposals were reviewed and evaluated which include abaca plantation, abaca plantation and expansion, hog fattening, cacao production, coffee production and rice mill from interested recipients in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City.

The deliberation was attended by ACEF RCU Vice-Head Lana May S. Racines with the members composed of the division chiefs and the program focal person of DA-10’s banner programs: rice, corn, high value crops development program, organic agriculture and livestock.

The RCU agreed and recommended the enhancement of the proposals in preparation for the proponents’ presentation and defense.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado explained that the ACEF Lending Program aims to increase the productivity of farmers and fisherfolk by providing the necessary credit to farmers and fisherfolk and their cooperatives and associations, and micro and small-scale enterprises, for the acquisition and establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment and facilities, farm inputs and improvement.#(ATC)