Region 10’s DA and DOLE convene. as the latter eyes to set up a Kadiwa exhibit for workers’ organizations.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened with the Department of Labor and Employment – Northern Mindanao (DOLE-10) on March 22, at the agency compound, to discuss plans to establish a Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) exhibit in support of the latter’s program for workers’ organizations.

The program, dubbed ‘Workers Organization Development Program (WODP) Plus’ is an initiative of the DOLE aimed at empowering workers’ organizations, enhancing labor rights, and promoting decent work.

Of which, DOLE-10 Technical Service and Support Division chief Atheneus A. Vasallo said, the DA can support by facilitating market linkages between local farmers’ cooperatives (agricultural producers) and workers’ organizations (potential consumers) through its KNP exhibit during its local launching slated on April 24, in concurrence with the annual nationwide observance of Labor Day on May 1.

In response, RED Collado said that DA is willing to support the undertaking, as it falls within the agency’s thrust to help local farmers and fisherfolk sell their produce at economical prices while promoting safe and nutritious food to the public.

To ensure a diverse selection of agri-fishery products during the exhibit, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe said that DA will bring in partner farmers’ cooperatives, associations to display and sell rice, vegetables, dairy products, seafood products, and other commodities during the event.# (GDA)

DA-10 welcomes its third batch of newly promoted and appointed employees this year.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – For this year, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) welcomes its third batch of newly promoted and appointed employees, with their oathtaking ceremony administered by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, on March 22, here.

Professionally advancing are the listed employees with their corresponding positions and assigned divisions:

1. Jemseal R. Tigbao – Agriculturist II, Field Operations Division
2. Lope Bagani F. Quiaman – Administrative Aide IV (Human Resource Management Aide), Human Resource Management Section, Administrative and Finance Division

Witnessing the oathtaking rite is the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board Vice-Chair Patrick Ian F. Pedarse and other Board members and secretariat, concerned and other division heads, and personnel of DA-10. # (JLO)

DA-10 culminates in the conduct of Onion derby at its research center in Claveria town.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 caps the series in the conduct of an Allium Derby on March 21, at the Research Center for Hillyland Development, in this town.

The said showcase of onion varieties and technologies marks the third leg of the Allium derby following its conduct in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City (February 15) and at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon (February 22).

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, who represented Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, shared that results from the series of derby show that there is a big potential for onion in region 10 and will be one of the agency’s bases for seeds procurement.

“I hope that farmers can learn and adopt technologies from this demonstration to boost Allium production in the region,” she added.

Participating seed companies: Allied Botanical, Corp., Kaneko Seeds, Corp. and Ramgo Seeds as well as partner chemical companies: Envireau Pacific, Inc., Tropi-Cuke, Inc. and Plantacote were also given time to share their respective Allium technologies on how they managed their plots over the 5- to 6-month period.

CdeO-based farmer Honorio S. Cervantes, who is known for his Square Foot Gardening, conveyed, “As an advocate for gardening with only a small area, I will try to innovate on some of the technologies I have learned from here,” further adding that it will be his first time to try on Allium production after seeing the derby results.

Meanwhile, each seed company was assigned 500 square meters and their produce was judged based on the highest yield volume (in kilogram), best quality, and best economic efficiency.

Of which, Allied Botanical, Corp. emerged as champions while Kaneko Seeds, Corp. trailed as the first runner-up and Ramgo Seeds as the second runner-up.

Also supporting the derby were representatives from DA-10’s attached bureaus and agencies: Agricultural Training Institute and Bureau of Plant Industry as well as guests from the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council-10, 58th Infantry Battalion, and MisOr, Bukidnon and CdeO local government units and farmers.# (AMBM/Photo credits: RDME)

DA-PRDP 10 convenes with PLGU MisOr to enhance their subproject proposals.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A two-day technical review of the proposals of the municipalities in Misamis Oriental with their subproject under the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) was conducted by the Provincial Local Government Unit of MisOr on March 20-21, in this city.

MisOr Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit Head Stanley B. Uriarte said that the activity aims to enhance the proposals and feasibility studies of the municipalities following the guidelines and requirements of the different DA-PRDP components and units.

“We hope that with this activity, we can help focus on the completion of the documentary requirements, so we can be included in the roster of subprojects for review and approval. We invited the DA-PRDP 10 team to help us with our proposals. We will utilize this time to enhance and comply with the lacking requirements,” Uriarte said.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado reminded the concerned municipalities that they need to submit the accomplished proposals to the Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10) by April for their proposals to be included in the next prioritization run.

He also emphasized that should the municipalities need technical support, the DA-PRDP 10 staff are willing to lend a hand.

The following are the municipalities who wished to submit their proposals to DA-PRDP: Balingoan – Integrated Cassava Processing and Marketing (IREAP) Magsaysay – Concreting of Tibon-tibon-Cabalawan- Mindulao-Tama FMR with Bridge (IBUILD) Medina – Concreting of Mananum Daan Kabolbakol FMR with PSCG Bridge (IBUILD) Talisayan –Concreting of Pangpangon-Puting Balas-Sibantang- Mahayag FMR (IBUILD).

Present during the said activity are Balingoan mayor Aaron Paul S. Unabia and staff, Magsaysay mayor Charlie B. Buhisan and staff, Medina mayor Donato N. Chan and staff, Talisayan mayor Rico T. Taray and staff, PLGU MisOr officials and staff, and DA-PRDP 10 component and unit heads and representatives.# (CRS)

The aggie department in NorMin increases employees’ awareness of fire safety during its Monday convocation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, were apprised of fire safety, to increase awareness and encourage the adoption of safety precautions on March 18, at the agency compound.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, the month of March was declared as Fire Prevention Month.

For this year, the observance centers on the theme: “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” which underscores the importance of unity and cooperation in ensuring fire-safe and disaster-resilient communities.

During DA-10’s Monday mini program, the Bureau of Fire Protection-Region 10 (BFP-10) Fire Officer 1 (FO1) Kynn M. Cemacio and FO1 John Paul G. Amiscaray shared with the agency personnel the importance of fire safety within the workplace, and extending it even in one’s home.

According to Cemacio, fire safety is a shared responsibility and this can be carried out by enjoining everyone to practice ‘SAFETY’ should fire incidents occur, which stands for Sound the alarm, Alert the nearest fire station, Fight fire, Evacuate, Tell others, and You, securing one’s self.

“Safety is of the utmost importance and ensuring the safety of individuals and properties is crucial in preventing fire incidents and minimizing their impact,” he said.

Information on how to prevent fires, what to do in case of a fire emergency, and the importance of having working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers were tackled in reducing the risk of fires and ensuring the safety of employees.

Said lecture is one among the agency’s steps to not only raising awareness on fire safety, but more so, in developing a culture of safety and preparedness within the office premises. # (RDME)

DA-10 and MisOr convenes to scale-up assistance on the implementation of food security initiatives for farmers’ poverty alleviation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental through Board Member Rey B. Buhisan to tackle strengthening food security initiatives for farmers’ poverty alleviation.

In a brief meeting recently at the agency compound, the said official’s visit focused on the Agriculture Sustainable Development Plan of the province, which focused on apportioning budget for rice farmers’ subsidies, development for livestock production, and distribution of corn and sorghum seeds.

Citing the province’s plan, Director Collado emphasized the importance of agricultural sustainability through promoting resilient and diversified farming systems, which will ensure the availability of food while contributing to augmenting farmers’ income as well as uplifting them from poverty.

He added that the department will continue and explore more ways to help MisOr, so long that validation of their proposal requests is done.

Under the PAGLAUM strategic direction, MisOr eyes to transform the province with A stands for agricultural development for poverty eradication.

Also, present were DA-10 Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas, and Fermin V. Jarales, PLGU MisOr consultant.# (MPMT)

Agri-10 provides forage seeds for Tangub City’s livestock.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Delivering on its commitment to support livestock farmers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over an assortment of forage seeds to the City Government of Tangub in Misamis Occidental at the agency compound, on March 20.

Funded by DA’s Livestock program, 100 packets of forage seeds (Centrocema, Rensonii, Ipil-ipil, and Flemengia) with a total worth of P10K were turned over by DA-10 Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc to the CLGU Tangub represented by City Agriculturist Teofista T. Andojar and City Veterinarian Alvin D. Florida, DVM.

According to Docdoc, the provisions turned over form part of the agency’s interventions under its Feed Enhancement, Exploration and Development (FEED) program of the National Livestock Program, and are geared to support the establishment of forage and pasture to achieve the feeding requirement of various livestock in the said city.

Further, Docdoc said that the seeds also help livestock farmers to address the need for sufficient food reserves for livestock during the presence of El Niño in the region.# (GDA)

The City Government of Tangub eyes to avail projects under DA PRDP Scale Up.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducted an orientation on the project’s Scale Up and the banner programs of the department to the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Tangub on March 19, in this city.

The said move is in response to the request of Tangub City Mayor Sabiniano S. Canama to DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP Project Director Carlene C. Collado, to have an exclusive orientation and project briefing about the guidelines of the projects and programs of the department, particularly PRDP Scale Up.

In an interview with Engr. Vilmar A. Matalines, OIC-City Engineer of Tangub, he is expecting that through this activity, the CLGU will be enlightened about the processes and the requirements in availing subprojects under PRDP Scale Up.

“As first timer applicant of DA-PRDP, we wanted to have a clearer direction towards the approval of our proposed subprojects. We wanted to prepare the requirements as soon as possible, so we could submit it to the region for validation.”

He added that the CLGU of Tangub wanted to acquire subprojects because it would greatly help their residents, especially the farmers.

“We are doing our best, so we can provide these facilities for them, so they can have a better and easier way of living,” Engr. Matalines said.
Aside from the potable water system (PWS) subproject, the CLGU Tangub is also eyeing other subprojects under the PRDP that can bring progress to their constituents.

Representatives from the different banner programs of DA, which include the rice, corn, high-value commodity, livestock, and organic programs, are also present at the said event to discuss the project portfolio and the basic requirements for the CLGU to comply in availing the said projects. #

Agri-10 Women’s Month culmination underscores the invaluable role of women in workplace, communities, and homes.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado capped its observance of the National Women’s Month on March 21 with a talk that recognizes the invaluable role of women in the workplace, communities, and homes.

In a special talk on women empowerment spearheaded by independent human resource practitioner Maristela P. Camaddo, women farmers and members of various farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) in CdeO, as well as women personnel from the DA and its attached agencies were apprised of the importance of responsibilities and role of women in creating gender-equal and inclusive communities and societies.

Camaddo said that women have to cultivate their sense of self-worth, strength, and self-determination to be empowered.

As women who participate in nation-building, she underscored that strength and empowerment are important to be receptive and address the needs of our communities.

“You cannot be of help [to your communities] if you are not strong. Therefore, you must work to cultivate this trait in yourselves, and empower women,” Camaddo said.

DA-10 Gender and Development (GAD) Program focal person Berna Rhoda P. Barnido expressed her gratitude for the support shown by members of the FCAs, the local government, and DA personnel for the event.

“Through this month-long celebration, we recognize the role of women and their significant contributions to nation-building. Guided by the celebration’s recurring theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society”, we recognize women as one of our biggest partners for fostering inclusivity in the country and the region,” Barnido said.

Through Proclamation No. 227, series of 1988, and Republic Act 6949, the month of March is designated for the celebration of National Women’s Month, which underscores the role of Filipino women in the social, cultural, economic, and political development throughout our history.

From the local level, present in support of the event were members of the Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) of barangays Dansolihon, Bayanga and Kauswagan; members of the Urban Container Household Gardening (UCHG) program of barangays Macasandig and Gusa, and members of the Tagpuangi Fisherfolks Association.

Also, present were representatives from the Northern Mindanao offices of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA-10), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC-10), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS-10), and DA-10 personnel and staff.# (GDA)

Lanao del Norte rice farmers to get input support through DA-Rice program’s Fertilizers Discount Voucher. 

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE – Not less than 14,918 rice farmers in Lanao del Norte will receive fertilizer subsidies from the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) through its Fertilizers Discount Voucher (FDV) this year.

In a meeting with the local government units and partner fertilizer merchants on March 19, Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10 Rice Program focal person disclosed that the agency has appropriated over P100 million in funds for FDV rollout in said province alone.

Under the DA’s FDV program, rice farmers duly registered with the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) will receive P3,400 worth of fertilizer vouchers per hectare of rice area.

Rice farmers in clustered rice areas are eligible for an FDV up to a maximum of 10 hectares, while rice farmers in non-clustered areas may receive an FDV for a maximum of 5 hectares of rice fields tilled.

At least 29,664 hectares of rice area in Lanao del Norte will be covered under the DA-10 FDV program this year.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, said the DA-10 is fast-tracking the FDV implementation in the region to keep pace with the 2024 wet and dry cropping period.

To address any possible bottleneck, the DA-10 through its Rice program is currently spearheading stakeholders’ meetings and consultation in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao ahead of the full-blown rollout of the FDV.

The FDV is being provided to qualified rice farmers in the region to augment their fertilizer needs.# (ATTalib)