Agri-10 together with DA USec Caballero ground breaks the establishment of corn and rice processing centers in Bukidnon province.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY — In its aim to support the post-production systems of two of the region’s top agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of rice and corn processing centers in the province of Bukidnon.

On May 24, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca led the groundbreaking of the two processing centers.

Funded under the agency’s Rice Program, a 900 sq.m. rice processing center, worth over P49-million will soon serve farmers in Barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Said infrastructure will also include one mechanical dryer set, with a capacity of 10 to 12 tons pet set, as well as one direct-fired biomass furnace with a maximum heat power of 500.

Through said facility, DA aims to strategically improve the efficiency of the rice post-production system, reduce post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring the improved quality of milled rice from the said community.

Meanwhile, a 1,920 sq.m. corn processing center will also soon rise in DA’s Research Center for Upland Development in Barangay Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Funded through DA’s Corn Program, the corn processing center worth over P98-million, also includes a pre-cleaner and aspirator; 2 mechanical dryer sets, each able to cater 27-30 tons per set; and 2 corn silos with a capacity of around 1,500 to 2,000 tons per set.

Strategically located in the southern part of Bukidnon, the corn facility aims to bolster the needs of local farmers, and foster a more sustainable and efficient production of nearby corn-producing municipalities including Maramag, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Kibawe, Damulog, and Quezon.

Said interventions are aligned with DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan for a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, which entails the modernization and mechanization of agri-fishery productions, as well as the development and improvement of post-harvest systems and infrastructures throughout the country.

Signifying their support for the project, the groundbreaking ceremony was also participated by Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; and DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM with Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban and Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria.# (GDA)

Agri-10 officials together with USec for High Value Crops Caballero eyes to bolster high value crops production in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of its bid to enhance agricultural productivity in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recently facilitated a series of site visit across various production areas of high value crops in Northern Mindanao.

On May 24 and 25, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, was joined by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, for a tour of strategic production sites for high value crops in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

According to USec Caballero, the strategic site visits are conducted to assess the region’s current production performance, and determine which aspects in crop production the DA can best intervene and provide support for, with interests in strengthening region 10’s high value crops productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

During her visit to the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the DA official was briefed on the agri research center’s current research and innovations on potato seed production through tissue culture, as well as the public-private partnerships engaged in by the agency to further bolster the production of said crop here.

As one of the region’s top agricultural commodity, the production of which is also supported by the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the DA, USec Caballero also visited ‘Finca de Garces’, an Arabica coffee farm in Pangantucan, Bukidnon to benchmark on best practices for its sustainable production.

It can be recalled that in 2023, Finca de Garces’ arabica coffee bagged the first place in the recently staged Philippine Coffee Competition, to which the undersecretary expressed optimism for the increased recognition of NorMin coffee growers and producers in the national and international scale.

Also part of the two-day activity were visits to the agency’s Research Center for Hillyland Development and an identified vanilla and cacao intercropping farm at the DA-Agricultural Training Institute Learning Center for Conservation Agriculture with Trees in Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and Flowerland, a PhilGAP certified farm engaged in Malaysian mums production funded by the DA-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon for a benchmarking activity on the production of ornamental plants in region 10.

Moreover, the said activity is in line with DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s three-year, eight-point plan, which underscores the need for strengthened coordination with farmers and other private stakeholders, and the expansion and improvement of agricultural sites, to achieve a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’.

Present in support of the activity were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM; and HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan.# (MPMT/GDA)

Cabana professionally advances as the Accountant III, as she takes her oath of office administered by RED Pacamalan.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – One newly promoted employee of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took her oath of office earlier today, Friday, May 31.

Juradin H. Cabana professionally advances as the Accountant III, previously holding the position of Accountant II since November 2019, under the Accounting Section, Office of the Administrative and Finance Division (AFD).

Administering the oathtaking is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, in the presence of DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) chair Carlota S. Madriaga.

Further joining the simple ceremony are HRMPSB vice-chair and AFD chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse, and Skylove A. Sarmiento, HRMPSB member and HR Management Section chief of DA-10. # (JLO)

DA targets for a harmonized analytical procedures for food supply and quality among labs across the country and that of known feed millers.

Exploring more ways toward a consolidated and harmonized analytical procedures across laboratories nationwide and that of known feed millers, a team from the Department of Agriculture – Central Office (DA-CO) visited the DA-Northern Mindanao, particularly its Regional Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory (RFAL) on Friday, May 24, here in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

With the RFAL directed to provide services to support regulatory functions of monitoring feed millers and retailers in compliance to feed quality standards that are vital for food supply and quality, the brief meeting tackled on the parameters, test methods, equipment used, and potential key areas for further capacity, as some identified major feed ingredient importers are potential buyers of local soybean and sorghum, including cassava and corn.

The DA-CO team is composed of Senior Science Research Specialist Rodolfo N. Panganiban of the National Corn program and Manuel M. Dimalaluan, Agriculturist II under the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations, who also paid a visit to the Regional Soils Laboratory of DA-10, which also offers aid to farmers through the provision of soil and fertilizer tests.

Welcoming them is Joel S. Rudinas, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director and Integrated Laboratories Division assistant chief, Engr. Elena C. Susaya, and other chemists and chemical technicians of DA-10.#

DA-10 targets improved farmers’ income and food security through the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the headship of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan convened with the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) to discuss the implementation of the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA) in Northern Mindanao, on May 21 at the agency compound, in this city.

During the meeting, DA-10 Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette M. Aleria, some DA officials and staff, and the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative (LMPC) representatives from Cebu were apprised on the implementation of AECA and its inclusive agriculture value chains on which the foundation’s initiatives are anchored.

According to JGF Consultant Joan Cua Uy, AECA is an eight-step process that aims to teach smallholder farmers so they can acquire business skills for a more sustainable livelihood.

“Through agro-entrepreneurship and leadership training, farmers learn the AECA, which organizes farmers into clusters and guides them in developing a business plan to establish their collective farming enterprise,” she said.

The event also provides an opportunity to validate the current status of AECA implementation in the region, as well as discuss accomplishments and ongoing issues.

As transpired, the Agro-enterprise Performance Plan (AEPP) Roadmap current phase in Region 10’s Organizing and Information Gathering for Business Plan Preparation phase is nearly complete, while the AE Planning for Collective Marketing phase is still in progress.

Meanwhile, Aleria also affirmed the agency’s commitment in advancing the interest and condition of small-scale Filipino farmers and fisherfolk through various agro-enterprise capacity-building activities in line with the F2C2 program and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

AECA was introduced by JGF as part of its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) to help smallholder farmers increase their income through fair supply arrangements with institutional markets like the Jollibee Group.

Furthermore, the team will visit the Lirongan High Value Vegetable Farmers Association (LIHVVFA) in Talakag, Bukidnon, to discuss AECA implementation and prospective market partnerships with LMPC.# (RDME)

DA-10 in collaboration with ACPC spearheads a financial education training for Bukidnon farmers.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan in collaboration with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) staged the Kapital at Ipon Tungo sa Asenso (KITA Mo Na!) Financial Education (Fin-Ed) Training, on May 22, in Dalwangan, here.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, around 32 farmer loan borrowers from the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center Multipurpose Cooperative (PITAC MPC) joined the activity to learn and understand the financial implications of their decisions and on how to mitigate risks associated with financial management.

Pursuant to DA Department Order No. 7, series of 2023 or the nationwide adoption of KITA Mo Na!, which directs the Regional and Provincial Loan Facilitation Teams (R-LoFTs and PLoFTs) to adopt and implement the Fin-Ed game for ACPC beneficiaries as part of the regular training program of the Department to farmers and fisherfolk.

According to ACPC Information Officer Karlo Abarquez, the KITA MO Na! Fin-Ed game is an educational and interactive simulation game for small farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock raisers which attempts to mimic the real-life events that influence the daily financial decisions of farmers and their families.

“Through this, the participants will learn basic personal financial management skills such as saving, budgeting, managing debt, credit discipline, basic financial services, protection from potential scams, and the rights and responsibilities of financial consumers,” he conveyed.

Meanwhile, PITAC MPC Acting Loan Officer Romel G. Baylomo expressed his appreciation for the activity that equips their loan borrowers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their finances.

“We express our utmost gratitude to DA and ACPC for providing such valuable training that has a significant impact on the lives of our farmer loan borrowers. The training sessions conducted have proven to be immensely beneficial, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their agricultural practices and financial management,” he said.

As a gesture of gratitude, Exequias D. Cosido, a farmer-member of Mauswagon Farmers Association (MAFA) said, “Nagpapasalamat ako sa programa ng ating gobyerno, lalo na sa DA at ACPC, sa kanilang tulong at paggabay, partikular sa mga magsasaka na katulad ko nanahaharap sa mga hamong pinansyal upang mapanatili ang aming mga aktibidad sa pagsasaka. Salamat sa training na ito, dahil natutunan ko kung paano gamitin sa hustong pamamaraan ang pera at kung paano maging isang business-minded na tao.”

The KITA Mo Na!, developed by the DA-ACPC, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the BDO Foundation, is an interactive training structured around six key messages for farmers and fishers. These include being wise with debt, increasing income through business ventures and additional skills, saving for the future, being insured to be protected, being critical to avoid scams, and being nurturing to the environment.

Further, said initiative is also anchored on Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s comprehensive plan to make farming and fisheries a more bankable investment industry.

Same activity was also conducted in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental the following day for the 31 farmer loan borrowers of KAMADA ARC cooperative.# (RDME)

Agri-10 through its Livestock program turns over the P5.2-million swine production facility to SIMUSOFAWA in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

KITAOTAO, BUKIDNON – To modernize and enhance the capacity of the local swine industry here, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P5.2-million (M) bio-secured and climate-controlled swine production facility to Sinuda Multi-Indigenous Sectoral Farmers and Workers Association (SIMUSOFAWA) on May 23, this town.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas led the handing over of the certificate of turnover to SIMUSOFAWA chairperson Datu Domino A. Pangcat signifying the transfer of ownership and operation of the facility.

The 2,000-square-meter bio-secured swine facility, costing P3,827,241.08, features a perimeter fence, office, climate-controlled animal housing, biogas waste management system, basic farm equipment, and a shower area.

Also part of the component is feeds, Hog scale, animal stocks, and drugs and biologics, for a total of P1.451-M.

According to Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc, the said project is part of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program of the DA designed to enhance biosecurity and disease control measures in the community while simultaneously supporting the repopulation and growth of Northern Mindanao’s swine industry.

RED Pacamalan also underscored the importance of quality breeds of swine in ensuring overall productivity and the proper implementation of this project.

Meanwhile, Datu Pangcat expressed his gratitude to DA saying “Nagpapasalamat ako sa DA sa pagbibigay sa amin ng proyektong ito, dahil ito ay magbibigay karagdagang kita at pangkabuhayan sa aming miyembro at asosasyon. Sa ngayon sisigurohin po namin na makakasali sa mga training tungkol sa pagbababoy para matiyak ang tagumpay ng proyekto.”

The SIMUSOFAWA association, which has been operational for five years now, has 200 members in total. Notably, a significant majority of 70% of its members come from the Matigsalog tribe.

Such a modernized swine production facility is consistent with DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s priority agenda for improved agriculture production system in the country.

Present during the activity are DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, Bukidnon Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council chairman Jaime C. Go, Regional AFC Honorio S. Cervantes and Floro V. Dalapag, Kitaotao Municipal Agriculturist Beaulah Grace P. Rafisura, Vice Mayor Marry Ann G. Angit, SB Committee on Agriculture Eduardo C. Beltran and Engr. Alvin S. Obrique representing Kitaotao mayor Edwin P. Abucayan.# (RDME)

DA-RADDL 10 shares lab practices during the One Health Approach workshop.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) welcomes participants of the One Health Approach workshop for a Laboratory walkthrough on May 22.

The DA-RFO 10’s RADDL is among the priority sites visited during the five-day One Health Approach Consultative Workshop for the National Laboratory System and Biosafety and Biosecurity Thematic Areas of International Health Regulation – Joint External Evaluation from May 20-24.

The said workshop aims to promote awareness and share expertise on diversed laboratory practices while strengthening partnership between laboratory focal persons of the DA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Health (DOH).

It also seeks to create an operational plan integrating the human, animal and environment sector toward a One Health Approach.

The DA-RFO 10 RADDL provides services such as diagnostic test of major animal diseases, disease surveillance and research.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca welcomed the group while Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD) chief, Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, briefed the participants on the RADDL’s laboratory procedure and practices.# (AMBM)

President BBM distributes assistance to El Niño-stricken farmers and fisherfolk, in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, and Iligan City.

ILIGAN CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. leads the turnover of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño on May 16, at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, in this city.

As part of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF), the President, together with Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel, Jr. and other government officials handed over Php10.54 million in aid to Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao, Php13.92 million to Lanao del Norte Vice Governor Allan J. Lim and Php24.36 million to Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal, Sr.

In his speech, President Marcos highlighted that the public can expect government programs and projects that will help improve the lives of the people living in regions.

“Ngunit, nahaharap din ang ating bansa sa matinding tagtuyot na balakid sa ating kaunlaran. Kaya nga po ang ginagawa natin ngayon ay sinusuyod natin ang buong kapuluan upang maghatid ng tulong sa mga napinsala ng matinding tag-init at [tagtuyot] na nangyayari sa El Niño,” he said.

Meanwhile, DA Secretary Laurel noted that the agency is providing farmers in Region 10 numerous agricultural programs and projects which include agri inputs (vegetable seeds, corn seeds, rice seeds, fertilizers), Fertilizer Discount Vouchers, machinery and equipment, fuel discount vouchers, Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA), among others.

For 2024, the DA has appropriated Php2.9 billion in funds for agricultural programs, projects and services across Northern Mindanao. Of the total appropriation, Lanao del Norte is allocated Php498 million worth agricultural interventions, while Misamis Occidental and Iligan City were allotted Php276 million and Php99 million, respectively.

“Ang importante ay maidentify natin at maitulak natin ang mga stratehiya natin sa agrikultura. This will bring us closer to achieving our economic growth and ensuring food and nutrition security, para maparami ang trabaho at mabawasan ang kahirapan,” the DA chief remarked.

During the turnover program, the DA regional office has also distributed 7,000 packets of assorted vegetable seeds, 53 packets of forage seeds, 20 bags corn seeds (at 9 kilos per bag) and 20 bags of biofertilizer (at 200 grams per bag). # (AMBM)

Agri-10 strengthens the execution of livestock feeds and animal welfare laws.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regulatory personnel convenes for the retooling on the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 1556, otherwise known as the Livestock and Poultry Feeds Act and RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act (AWA), on May 8-10, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

DA-10 Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, said that the event aims to enhance the efficiency and monitoring capabilities of the deputized inspectors of the agency in ensuring compliance with feed safety standards and animal welfare regulations.

Presented topics were registration and licensing as provided in RA 1556 and RA 8485, feed establishment inspection checklist, product quality monitoring, animal handlers and accreditation of transport carrier and AWA inspection checklist.

DA-Bureau of Animal Industry Animal Feeds Veterinary Drugs and Biologics Control Division Senior Agriculturist Norman B. Tab discussed the laws and regulations pertaining to animal feed, such as the Food Safety Act and other legislation.

According to Tab, the act is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of feeds used in animal production, as well as safeguarding consumers from potential risks associated with contaminated feeds.

Meanwhile, Marie Shella G. Ordinario, DVM, head of the Animal Facilities Regulations Section of DA-BAI said that the AWA intends to safeguard and advance the welfare of all animals by monitoring and controlling the construction and upkeep of the facilities.

Ensuing the discussions, the division did doing mock inspections on the feed mill facility at M. Montesclaros Farms, Inc. located in Bagontaas, Valencia City, Bukidnon, and a cattle farm at NMACLRC, here, which serve as valuable training exercises involved in regulatory compliance and improving their preparedness for actual inspections.

Also supporting the activity is DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM.# (MPMT)