Agri-10 through its RAED targets to streamline delivery of fuel assistance to farmers renting or owning functional machinery.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), recently staged the FY 2023 assessment of Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project (FAtFP) and its implementation for the succeeding year, with the provincial, city, and municipal local government units, here.

The said activity served as a channel to continually enhance the dynamism and efficiency among members of the fuel assistance team through updates and takeaways.

Pursuant to Special Provision No. 19 of FY 2023 General Appropriation Act (GAA), PhP510-million (M) was set aside to provide fuel assistance to farmers in the Philippines who own or rent agricultural machinery and are listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Each farmer-recipient will receive a DA Intervention Monitoring Card with fuel assistance worth PhP3k, excluding the card cost of PhP150.

Based on their 2023 data, the Regional Agricultural Machinery Inventory registered around 12k units of machinery in Northern Mindanao used for crop, livestock, and poultry production.

Approximately 12,990 farmers from the region were validated as targets for FY 2023, apportioning PhP40.91-M worth of fuel subsidy.

Reportedly, nearly half of the targets has been accomplished as of October this year, while the remaining subsidy is set to be released through a series of caravans starting mid October until the following weeks in Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental in coordination with the Development Bank of the Philippines and Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC).

DA-10 RAED Programs and Projects Management Section chief, Engr. Romil G. Española, emphasized that the meeting also served as a venue to strategize measures to address bottlenecks in the project implementation.

Wherein, the Know-Your-Client (KYC) validation was notably identified, as additional verification is required among farmer-beneficiaries vis-a-vis submitted documentary requirements.

“We’ve assessed our performance in order for us [DA-10 fuel assistance team] to efficiently move forward and accomplish the targets for FY 2023 on or before the end of November 2024,”Española added.

To hasten the implementation, a one-time caravan schedule was recommended to conduct KYC processes in local government units (LGUs) near USSC branches.

The FAtFP will continue with a PhP510-M allocation under Special Provision No. 17 of RA 11975 FY 2024, with a PhP42-M allocation for Northern Mindanao.

The RAED and Field Operations Division of DA-10 will identify the eligible beneficiaries in coordination with the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering offices of the LGUs or the office of provincial, city, and municipal agriculturists.
Further, DA-10 RAED enjoined the LGUs to submit names of farmers for validation as beneficiaries for the current fiscal year, and to continually coordinate, especially for the KYC processing activities.

In closing, Engr. Bryan R. Cubita, Officer-In-Charge of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Operations Center, reaffirmed that constant collaboration with the LGUs would foster a more harmonious implementation, allowing more recipients to benefit from the subsidy.

The provision of fuel assistance aims to lessen farming operating costs, enhance farmers’ resilience, and help cushion the impact of rising oil prices on the farming sector.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 continues to distribute fuel assistance to farmers owning or renting functional farm machinery.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Aiming to help cushion the impact of rising oil prices on the farming sector, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA – RFO 10), through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), led the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project (FAtFP) caravan on October 14 in Barangay Violeta, here.

In partnership with the Universal Storefront Services Corp., the DA-10 rolled out not less than PhP2.34-million worth of fuel subdisy to some 745 eligible farmers from Malaybalay City, Impasug-ong, and Sumilao, in Bukidnon province, via the DA Intervention Monitoring Card (IMC).

Pursuant to the FY 2023 implementing guidelines of the FAtFP, eligible recipients subsidy are either individual farmer or member of Farmer Cooperative and Associations (FCA) who owns or rents functional farm machinery with proof of ownership or rental agreement, as accounted for in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

The recipient must also be registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) of the DA.

In support of the event, Malaybalay City Vice Mayor Estelito R. Marabe recognized the active cooperation of the city’s local government unit which is instrumental for the realization of the said assistance.

DA-10 RAED chief Engr. Deliza T. Camaro also emphasized that the implementation of FAtFP will continue in the following year, thus, urging other farmers who are yet to register their agricultural machineries to comply with the registration process through their local Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering office.

“[For FY 2023] Malaybalay City is the first within the region and the country to accomplish the registration of machinery and equipment, making it a great example to other regions,” she said.

To roll out the remaining FAtFP subsidy earmarked in 2023, the DA-10 RAED is set to hold a series of distribution caravan where a total of P7.08-M worth of fuel assistance will be rolled out.

The caravan will kick off in Bukidnon starting October 15 in Cabanglasan town with 547 beneficiaries, and October 16 in Kibawe with 446 combined beneficiaries from Dangcagan, Kadilangan, Kibawe, and Kitaotao. Meanwhile, 363 beneficiaries from Valencia City, Kalilangan, and Maramag will receive the fuel assistance in Valencia City on October 17.

The caravan will take place in Lanao del Norte on October 22 with 607 farmer-beneficiaries from Bacolod, Kapatagan, Kauswagan, Kolambugan, Lala, Poona Piagapo, SND, and Tubod.

The last day of the caravan will be held on October 23 in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental with 286 recipients from Gitagum, Initao, Laguindingan, and Libertad will be given their fuel subsidy.

The FAtFP is part of the DA’s continuing effort to ease up farmers’ struggle amid rising farm inputs prices while scaling up their productivity.# (EJLG)

DA-10 through its Regulatory Division promotes animals’ rights and responsible pet ownership during the Animal Welfare Week celebration.

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regulatory Division, staged the celebration of the Animal Welfare Week on October 2, at El Garaje, DA-RFO 10 Compound, in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Said observance is in pursuant to Proclamation No. 715, under RA 8485 (Animal Welfare Act) as amended by RA 10631, declaring the first week of October of each year as “Animal Welfare Week”.

Bearing this year’s theme: “No Animals Left Behind; Their Lives Matter Too,” the week aims to educate the masses, advocating animals’ rights and promoting the humane treatment of all kinds of animals.

As part of the celebration, the DA-RFO 10 conducted an Information and Education Campaign on the Prevention and Control of Rabies and an Animal Welfare Forum.

In his message, Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, emphasized that celebrating Animal Welfare Week is important for raising awareness on animal rights, responsible pet ownership, and the prevention of animal cruelty, ultimately fostering a more compassionate society.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca also stressed the importance of ensuring safety, security, and emotional support for all animals. “We must be aware of the care we need to provide them [animals], not just for us humans,” she said.

Highlighting the activity, Veterinarian II of the Regulatory Division, Dianara Celeste O. Ua-o, DVM, discussed the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, emphasizing the responsibilities of pet owners, animal handlers, and establishments in ensuring that animals are treated with kindness and protected from neglect, cruelty, and exploitation.

For her part, Regional Rabies Coordinator and Veterinarian III of DA-10’s Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Oryza Krysty D. Baylo, DVM, centered her talk on rabies, stating that educating the public about the disease is crucial for both people and animals, as it promotes early prevention through vaccination, encourages prompt treatment after exposure, and reduces the risk of transmission.

In closing, Veterinarian Keeno Ian A. Moralde, DVM, from a non-profit organization, tackled on responsible pet ownership, underscoring the importance of neutering. He emphasized that neutering dogs and cats helps control the pet population, reduces the risk of certain cancers and behavioral issues, and promotes a longer, healthier life for animals.

Present during the event were key stakeholders, provincial and city vet personnel, and select DA-10 staff.

Following the conduct of the event on October 2, pet owners who registered for Dog and Cat Sterilization (Spay & Neuter) will return tomorrow as part of the weeklong celebration.# (EJLG)

The FSRAs and LGUs convene to ensure the food safety regulatory system in NorMin. 

LANAO DEL NORTE — To strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, conducted an orientation on Food Safety Regulation on September 26 for the said province in Lala town.

The orientation, which centered on Republic Act No. 10611 or “The Food Safety Act of 2013”, aimed to apprise local government units (LGUs) to be involved in the advocacy in protecting the public from food-borne illnesses.

As stipulated in Article 5 Section 16.4, the DA-Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRAs) are tasked with enforcing official measures to ensure that foods adhere to regulations concerning consumer health, protection, and trade.

The event brought together FSRAs, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), overseeing aquaculture products and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), focusing on plant-based foods.

In addition, the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) participated as the FSRA for meat products, alongside the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), which regulates pesticides and fertilizers used in both plant and animal food production.

The activity was also attended by the National Dairy Authority (NDA), another agency under the DA with food safety regulatory functions, focusing on milk production and post-harvest handling.

Thus, each agency, along with the DA-10’s Regulatory Division, discussed their regulatory functions and scope in terms of food safety services and activities to coordinate with LGUs for the harmonization of food safety act implementation.

The LGUs are then expected to supervise within their jurisdictions the enforcement of food safety regulatory system, along with inspecting and ensuring that businesses and facilities comply.

Overall, the FSRAs and the LGUs jointly control food safety risks in the food supply chain.

Through the DA-10’s commitment to direct all provinces for food safety regulatory system in the region, a similar event was held earlier, September 25, in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, for Misamis Occidental with added participation of the National Food Authority (NFA) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) as FSRAs for rice and coconut, respectively.# (BJCE/Photo supplied)

DA-10 through its Corn program spearheads a training on soybean production and processing for Bukidnon farmers.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To strengthen the local production and improve the quality of soybean and soybean-based products, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) staged recently a two-day Soybean Production and Processing Training at the Malaybalay Stock Farm, here.

Per Memorandum Order No. 15, Series of 2021, the Corn program is directed to continuously equip those involved in the soybean value chain, including the around 55 training participants — select chairpersons from different farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in Bukidnon and regional agri technical staff — on the latest updates in the soybean sector, cultural management practices, and its significant role in the food and feed industries.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga highlighted the importance of capturing the said crop’s package of technology, as soybean is a cheap alternative source of protein for animal feeds and its integration into the existing farming systems (cassava and sugarcane) as a cash crop, especially in the southern parts of Bukidnon, will provide additional income for farmers.

Besides cassava and sugarcane, Jemseal R. Tigbao, soybean focal person, also underscored that soybean can be intercropped with coconut, fruit trees, and vegetables, given that the majority of the country’s supply is still reliant on imports.
He detailed that it is a cropping practice that involves growing simultaneously two or more crops in proximity, thus boosting land productivity and maximizing yield per unit of land, and further setting up risk mitigation measures by breaking pest cycles and lowering the risk of infestations.

With Cassava being a subprogram of the Corn program, DA-10 targets at least 20% of the 14,582 hectares to be intercropped with soybean, and also fill the soybean requirement estimated at 30 metric tons annually.

To achieve this, Tigbao furthered that the department aims to increase local production and tap into emerging market opportunities.

Soybeans, with their different uses in products such as tofu (taho, tokwa), soy sauce, coffee substitutes, animal feed, oil, and flakes, present a promising market for the food and feed sectors.

Beyond such uses, Dafni C. Carreon, Science Research Specialist I, stressed the advantages of value-added soy products like soy milk, soyballs, and maruya, as it allows farmers to enter into lucrative markets, and at the same time diversify their income streams and maximize the returns on their soybean harvests.

For her part, Lorena V. Duna, chief of the Research Division, also stressed soybean’s health benefits, citing its high-quality protein and potential to improve lipid profile, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and even certain cancers.

Several key topics were also discussed, including the Importance of Legumes in Agriculture, Soybean Pest and Diseases Management, Harvesting and Post-harvest Handling, and the Economics of Soybean.

“We are hopeful that through the [soybean] training, we have helped in empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to capitalize on the economic and environmental benefits associated with soybean cultivation, while also promoting sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to food security”, Tigbao said.# (BJCE/Photos supplied)

DA-10 continues to support local farmers through vegetable seeds distribution.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To boost vegetable production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over vegetable seeds to farmers’ associations on September 26, at the DA-10 compound, this city.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, along with Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Baikingon Vegetable Growers’ Association (BVGA) of CdeO and Paganan Farmers’ Association of Talakag, Bukidnon.

Baikingon received 1 pouch kangkong and 3 cans squash seeds while Paganan FA received 10 tin cans carrot, 4 tin cans squash, 2 foil packs pole sitao and 2 foil packs kangkong seeds.

Roldan B. Maglungsod from BVGA, at the same time, City Agriculture and Fishery Council chair of CdeO shared that the interventions will greatly help the residents who are tending communal gardens.

The said distribution of vegetable seeds is one of the initiatives of the DA to help address food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. # (AMBM)

Agri-10 meets with Lanao del Norte agribiz enterprise dev’t system implementers to improve delivery of services through such system to agri-related enterprises.

LANAO DEL NORTE – In an effort to address challenges faced in enterprise sustainability, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged a coordination meeting with the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) project implementers on September 26, in Kapatagan town, here.

Spearheaded by the division’s Agribusiness and Industry Support Services Section, the activity aims to keep stakeholders informed and updated on the status of FFEDIS implementation, foster collaboration and communication among involved, and identify any bottlenecks that need to be addressed.

In relation to the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321) and Memorandum Circular No. 25 Series of 2020, the creation of FFEDIS is one of the deliverables stipulated in its approved Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

FFEDIS is an operational information system crafted to aid the government in devising strategies and initiatives for enterprise development to enable the producer groups, the private sector, and the local government units to respond effectively to both local and global market demands.

AISS Section chief Jenny D. Alcobilla, led the presentations on updates and guidelines for FFEDIS in Region 10, as well as on concerns related to FFEDIS registration.

Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprises (FFEs), Agri-fishery Enterprises (AFEs), and other Agri-fishery Enterprises (non-FFEs) are encouraged to register for FFEDIS through their respective registration desks or online.

The benefits of being registered into the system include market linkage, access to loan and grant programs, training, technology transfer, and subsidies.

Provincial Operations Center chief Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo emphasized the importance of utilizing FFEDIS, stating that it provides strategic enterprise development information that would enable local farmers to scale up their operations and efficiently market their produce.

Through the meeting, agribusiness coordinators also presented FFEDIS updates from their respective municipalities, discussed the challenges faced as well as the actions taken, and provided recommendations that would help strengthen FFEDIS within their area of responsibility.

In closing, Alcobilla highlighted the importance of creating more organized and continuous communication between the province’s agribusiness coordinators and DA-10. “This will, in turn, facilitate easy sharing of outputs and ensure that each town is well informed about DA-10’s project [and interventions], through AMAD”, she said.

As of September 25, there are 547 approved FFEDIS registrations within Region 10, with 197 from the province.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 apprises the different truckers in Cagayan de Oro City on the agency’s Food Lane Project

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In an effort to ease the transport and logistics of various agricultural commodities and products in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted an orientation on the agency’s Food Lane Project, on September 25, in this city.

According to Edmar L. Fajutagana, Supervising Agriculturist of the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), the Food Lane Project aims to institutionalize the efficient and speedy delivery and distribution of agri-fishery products from production sides to the market, which is seen to reduce the cost of transportation and postharvest losses.

Further, he said that the project is in line with the thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for reduced transport and logistics costs and increased food production, as outlined in his State of the Nation Address last July 2024.

The Said project is co-implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the DA as lead implementer, to facilitate the accreditation of agriculture and fishery suppliers and truckers, ensure the safe passage of truckers and suppliers at designated checkpoints and main roads, and implement pertinent issuances and policies related to the Food Lane Project at the local level.

As specified in DA Administrative Order No. 18 Series of 2012, commodities including rice, corn, fresh fruits and vegetables, livestock and poultry products and by-products, fresh and frozen meat, fresh and frozen fish and marine products, feeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs are covered under the Food Lane Project.

Some 20 truckers and partner government agencies in Cagayan de Oro were apprised of the documentary requirements for accreditation, as well as the online and in-person accreditation procedure facilitated by the AMAD.

Truckers with approved applications will receive a Certificate of Accreditation valid for two years, granting them ease of passage in checkpoints and exemption from pass-through fees and exemption from truck ban, subject to local regulations and policies; and immediate assistance during product delivery.

DA-10 AMAD Agribusiness Industry Support Section chief, Jenny D. Alcobilla enjoined the participants to comply with the required documents for accreditation, stressing its benefit toward the distribution of high quality, safe, and fresh agri-fishery produce in the local markets, for the benefit of suppliers and consumers alike.

The meeting was supported by DILG-10 Local Government Capability Development Division chief Hazel L. Occeña, PNP Regional Office 10 Police Captain Ryan Braser G. Condeza, and DA-AMAD staff.# (GDA)

Agri-10 meets with stakeholders for the APA Project implementation that aims to improve farmers’ resilience against climate change

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Being one of the pilot regions for the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) collaborates with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a Regional Planning Workshop and Field Validation from September 24 to 27, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, this city.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca shared that the activity aims to present the rationale of the project and harmonize the coordination of the different agencies from the national up to the provincial level.

With a total USD 26.3-million (M) grant from the GCF and USD 12.9-M co-financing from DA and PAGASA, the project aims to enhance the resilience of rural farmers in areas vulnerable to climate change while also transforming the country’s agricultural system to adapt to these challenges.

Set to start this 2024 up to 2030, Region 10 is among the pilot regions identified as climate change hot spots based on climate projections along with the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), regions 2, 5 and 12.

For Northern Mindanao, 12 municipalities from Bukidnon province were chosen based on the assessment on climate change vulnerability, municipal profile and commitment to action. For which, interventions are intended for Rice and Corn farming with Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) technologies focusing on Rice-Onion crop rotation, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and organic practices on rice and corn.

As such, the planning workshop focused on how to develop and disseminate localized Climate Information Service (CIS) and CRA products and services at the provincial level. It will then be followed by field visits in Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) villages, Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and Farmers Information and Technology Service (FITS) centers.

Meanwhile, other implementing partners present are representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute, Agricultural and Fishery Council, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Science and Technology and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division.# (AMBM)

Agri-10 through the Regulatory Division apprises LGUs on regulations for animal and feed facilities.

LANAO DEL NORTE — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, held an orientation on September 24 in Lala town to discuss the regulations, particularly on the registration and licensing, of animal facilities and feed establishments.

The event gathered agricultural staff from local government units (LGUs) across the province to ensure compliance with the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) guidelines, as mandated by Republic Acts (RA) 8485 and 1556, and other related administrative orders (AO) and circulars (AC) from the DA.

Division’s Veterinarian III, Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM, discussed RA 8485, otherwise known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” and its amendments under RA 10631.

Said law is designed to promote animal welfare by preventing cruelty, abuse, and exploitation, ensuring animals’ physical and psychological well-being.

Chiu also covered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2016-12, which requires the registration of animal facilities with the DA-BAI before LGUs can issue business permits.

As stipulated by DA-AO No. 8, Series of 1999, she reiterated that animal facility owners must secure a BAI Certificate of Registration before the issuance of a Mayor’s Permit. She stressed the importance of keeping facilities clean and sanitary, with BAI reserving the right to revoke registration if these standards are not met.

Further, Chiu also elaborated on DA-AC No. 04, 2016, which sets forth the rules and regulations for the registration of animal facilities. This includes the requirements, process for renewal, administrative sanctions, fees, and the minimum number of animals required per farm or facility registration.

In addition, Agriculturist I Elaine Joy D. Morante provided an overview of RA 1556, which regulates the manufacture, importation, labeling, advertising, and sale of livestock and poultry feeds.

She stressed that, as per Section 4, Subsection (d), no feeds or feeding materials in any form may be manufactured, imported, advertised, sold, or offered for sale without prior registration with the BAI Director.

Further, Morante discussed DA-AO No. 08, 2004, which amends AO No. 3, Series of 1997, detailing revised guidelines for the registration and licensing of livestock, poultry, and by-products handlers, as well as livestock transport carriers.

These licenses, as she explained, are valid for one year and must be renewed at least a month before expiration. However, renewal applicants are required to attend a seminar to stay informed about current government regulations.

Participants in the orientation were from the Agricultural offices and Business Processing and Licensing offices of the provincial and municipal governments of Lanao del Norte.

In line with DA’s commitment in creating a safer and more regulated environment for both animals and agricultural stakeholders in the region, the DA-10 also aims to strengthen the coordination between the agency and LGUs.# (BJCE/Photo supplied)