DA-10 tackles updates on soil health conditions in NorMin with BSWM

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) was visited by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), through its Soil Survey Division (SSD) team, to collect data for the development of the National Soil Database on March 10, here.

This is in support for the establishment of a more detailed Soil Reference Mapping Units (SRMU) and Soil Health Monitoring Sites (SHMS) in the region.

As part of the National Soil Health Program (NSHP), the visit focused on assessing and addressing the soil health conditions in the region and define the best opportunities for sustainability of soil use.

Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) chief, Engr. Elena C. Susaya and Senior Agriculturist, Karl Roman O. Wong, accompanied the SSD team with discussions centered on soil parameters and program objectives with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga.

Also included points are the procedures for sample collection and health monitoring, covering various soil health indicators such as soil color, texture, and moisture.

Following the courtesy visit, DA-BSWM will travel to Camiguin to begin the field survey, ground truthing and validation of soil health data. Collected soil health samples will then be submitted to the agency’s RSL for laboratory analysis. # (MAC)

DA-NorMin provides P4-M  worth of agri interventions to Iligan City

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over P4-million worth of agricultural interventions to the Iligan City Local Government, led by Mayor Frederick W. Siao, on Monday, March 10.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan spearheaded the handover, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to reducing poverty, increasing farmers’ and fishers’ income, and generating employment in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Pacamalan highlighted the DA’s push for modern farming technologies and innovations to lower production costs and enhance efficiency.

The interventions include a hauling truck, two corn shellers, two water pumps, and a hand tractor.
The hauling truck, provided under the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, aims to support the swine industry’s recovery by ensuring cost-effective operations.

Meanwhile, the two corn shellers, each with a shelling capacity of 4,500 kilograms per hour with 99.5% shelling efficiency, are expected to help farmers minimize postharvest losses and improve grain quality, leading to better market prices and increased profits.

The pumps and engine will support corn farmers by enhancing irrigation through shallow tube well pumps, while the hand tractor under the High Value Crops Development Program aims to boost the productivity of small-scale farmers.

Mayor Siao underscored the vital role of the local government in shaping the national agricultural budget and maximizing agricultural support.

“I challenge the City Agriculture Office to be more proactive and serve as the DA’s strongest partner in delivering services to Iligan City’s farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.#(ATC/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 NUPAP supports school’s community-based initiative

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of its ongoing commitment in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA RFO-10), through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), supports the Grade-12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students of PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College – Senior High School – Carmen Campus in their community-based initiative through vegetable gardening in Brgy. Iponan, here.

On March 5, NUPAP through Project Evaluation Officer I, Geonara C. Abejero spearheaded a lecture on the basics of urban gardening, its significance, and application in urban settings, providing a comprehensive understanding of urban agriculture.

This is aligned with the students’ goal to improve the quality of life in the community by providing sustainable access to fresh and quality produce; thereby, promoting economic stability by reducing household expenses, creating income-generating opportunities, and fostering partnerships among residents and other relevant stakeholders.

Complementing the discussions, the department also distributed 45 packets of Sinigang seeds and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to the 72 SHS students, along with 10 urban agriculture practitioners, who have participated in the said activity.# (MAC)

DA-SAAD NorMin crafts strategic plans for year 3 project implementation in Camiguin

In coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office and members of the four SAAD-assisted farmers’ associations (FAs) in Camiguin province, the Department of Agriculture Special Area for Agricultural Development Program – Northern Mindanao (DA-SAAD NorMin) recently held a strategic planning assembly for the 3rd year implementation of the SAAD Program in the province.

The assembly primarily aims to assess the progress of the livelihood projects provided to the FAs, and ascertain its alignment with the program’s goal to alleviate poverty by uplifting the farmers living situation.

The year 3 implementation is a critical period to evaluate the performance of the livelihood projects and refining of implementation strategies focused on the growth and sustainability of the projects.

The three-day activity was dedicated to the preparation of a detailed year 3 work plan which outlines the timelines, deliverables, and responsibilities of each FA. The work plan also defines key performance indicators to measure the progress and the overall impact of each project granted by the DA-SAAD NorMin.

The strategic plan calls for a broader collaboration among the DA-SAAD NorMin, the local government units, and the FAs to improve socio-economic conditions of the rural communities in Camiguin.

Apart from crafting the year 3 work plan, the DA-SAAD NorMin also convened with the FAs for its regular coordination meeting to foster collaboration and ensure that all stakeholders remain engaged and informed. These meetings served as a platform for open discussion on the challenges in project implementation, which includes supply chain disruptions, pest management, and resource availability.

Over the past two years of SAAD Phase 2 implementation in Camiguin, the program has been implementing various livelihood projects such as Integrated Poultry and High Value Crops Production of the Tangaro Young Farmers’ Association in Catarman town, Enhanced High Value Crops Production of the Butay Cut Flower Association in Guinsiliban town, Integrated Poultry and High Value Crops of the Owakan Chicken Farmers’ Association in Mahinog town, and Balut and High Value Crops Production of the Poblacion Sagay Integrated Organic Farming Association in Sagay town.

The DA-SAAD NorMin’s end goal is to assist the FAs in establishing a community-based agri-enterprise by capacitating the farmers in producing, processing and marketing locally viable agricultural products.# (JAS)

DA-10 trains field personnel on soil analysis for region-wide testing

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) is stepping up its efforts to assist farmers in adopting strategic fertilization methods for the upcoming planting seasons.

In line with this move, the DA-10 convened its personnel from the Field Operations Division (FOD) for a “Technical Briefing on Soil Sampling Activity” on March 3 at El Garaje, within the agency’s compound.

The briefing featured a hands-on demonstration on soil sampling and analysis, with personnel directed to conduct soil testing in farm areas before May.

Senior Agriculturist Karl Roman O. Wong of the Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) of the DA-10’s Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) led the discussion on proper soil sampling, collecting, and processing.

He also emphasized the importance of not only involving agency personnel to conduct soil testing activities, but also optimizing the role of agricultural extension workers (AEW) from the local government units (LGU) to ensure simultaneous soil testing across the region, within the given two-month timeframe.

To further reinforce technical competencies, Bureau of Soils and Water Management Science Research Specialist I Rochelle P. Estrella supervised a practical demonstration, focusing on qualitative soil analysis to assess pH levels, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents.

By mobilizing its personnel and maximizing the roles of LGU AEWs for data-driven fertilization strategies, DA-10 ensures that soil sampling and analysis is readily available and accessible to farmers to help enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields in the next harvests.# (BJCE)

Manticao AMIA village to benefit from agri-inputs

MANTICAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) program turned over agri-inputs to the AMIA village in Upper Malubog, Manticao, Misamis Oriental on February 26-27.

Interventions turned over include: 10 bags Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) corn seeds, 50 packets Pinakbet vegetables seeds, and 150 forage seedlings, received by Kauyagan Farmers’ Association thru President Noel Roquiño and Upper Malubog Abaca Farmers Association thru President Michael Madrina, in the presence of Municipal Agriculturist Clevic Irish L. Habil.

The said initiatives aimed to assist farmers in overcoming weather-related challenges, enhancing production, and minimizing the risks of low yields.

AMIA village is a community-based approach initiated by the DA through its AMIA program to strengthen the resilience of farming communities to climate change. It aims to introduce climate-resilient agricultural practices and offer support services to help mitigate effects of climate change. # (AMBM/Photo credits: AMIA 10)

Agri-10 hosts YFC upscale judging, strengthening young agripreneurs’ enterprises

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To address the need for expanded financial resources among previous Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted the YFC Upscale regional level judging on March 7, here.

The YFC Upscale component is designed to help past awardees enhance their agribusiness ventures by upgrading equipment and assets, developing new product lines, improving market reach, and securing necessary permits and licenses, among others.

Said competition is open to all previous YFC Start-Up awardees at the provincial, regional, or national level, the criteria of which are centered on creativity and innovations, enterprise performance, social responsibility, business viability, and business sustainability.

Outstanding agri-fishery enterprises will be selected by the regional panel of judges to receive a 300k financial grant, with the highest-scoring enterprise advancing to the YFC Upscale National Competition.

Enterprises that participated in the regional judging include:

Bukidnon
The Ton Potato Agribusiness OPC (YFC 2022 Provincial Awardee)
Anitu Forest Food Processing (YFC 2022 Provincial Awardee)

Misamis Occidental
OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics (YFC 2023 Provincial Awardee)

The participating enterprises were assessed by a panel of judges from the DA-10 and the Department of Trade and Industry 10 (DTI-10). The winners are set to be announced, after which the top awardee will proceed to prepare for the national competition where they shall receive an additional financial grant of 500k.# (EJLG)

DA-10 drives agro-modernization, gathers local agricultural and biosystems engineers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), hosted a forum on February 28, with the aim of accelerating agro-modernization in Northern Mindanao and providing employment prospects for recent Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Licensure Examination (ABELE) passers.

Before the local Agricultural and Biosystems engineers, the DA-10 urged the creation of ABE offices/units among the local government units for easier facilitation on the availment of agricultural machinery, equipment, and facilities, as stipulated in DA Memorandum Circular (MC) 41, Series of 2024.

Engr. Mary Ann C. Adella, Engineering Plan, Design, and Specification Section chief of DA-10 RAED detailed the MC, which outlines the “General Guidelines on the Provision of Agricultural Machinery, Equipment, and Facilities for FY 2024 Onwards”, stressed the importance of establishing ABE offices/units within LGUs to secure the necessary agricultural provisions for the farmers in the region.

To date, 9 NorMin LGUs have enacted ordinances establishing ABE offices/units, with 8 already institutionalized plantilla positions for Agricultural and Biosystems engineers.

In a separate discussion, Engr. Romil G. Española, Program and Management Section chief, provided updates on the Local Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Plan (LAFMP), highlighting that 52 LGUs have submitted drafts, with Malaybalay City’s plan already approved. The LAFMP serves as a roadmap for integrating mechanization strategies into local agricultural development.

Meanwhile, Engr. Janice P. Vargas, Standard Regulation and Enforcement Division chief of the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, underscored the critical need for compliance in mechanization projects, noting the accreditation processes and quality assurance measures in line with the bureau’s regulatory functions.

Through this forum, the DA-10 aims to guide all LGUs in establishing ABE offices and ensure Agricultural and Biosystems engineers are equipped to address the evolving demands of agro-modernization, helping shape the future of agriculture in Region 10.

Also present at the forum were Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers – Region 10 (PSABE-10) President and DA-10 RAED chief, Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, Professional Regulatory Board – ABE Member Engr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado, and other DA-10 officials. # (BJCE)

Php49 MSRP for premium imported rice recommended for NorMin’s major cities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The DA-Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) will recommend Php49/kilo Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for imported rice (5% broken) in four major cities in the region – Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Valencia and Malaybalay, following the Bantay Presyo Consultative Forum, Tuesday, March 4, here.

The forum convened the region’s rice importers, wholesalers and retailers, government regulatory agencies, Northern Mindanao Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC-NorMin), and the concerned city local government units to assess the present rice price and supply situation to set a cap to the selling price of premium imported rice in public and private markets in the aforesaid cities.

In January this year, the DA started to impose Php58/kilo MSRP for premium imported rice sold in the National Capital Region (NCR) following an extraordinary hike in rice prices despite decline in world market prices and import tariff reduction.

The issuance of the DA Administrative Circular No. 3, series of 2025, subsequently lowered the imported rice MSRP to Php52/kilo in NCR in mid-February. Starting March 1, the DA further slash the MSRP in NCR to Php49/kilo.

In an attempt to comply with the prevailing MSRP on imported rice (5% broken), the DA-NorMin through its Bantay Presyo Monitoring Team in consultation with rice stakeholders, Local Price Coordinating Council of Cagayan de Oro City, City Agriculture Office of Malaybalay, and Iligan City, resolved to recommend to the DA-Central Office the enforcement of Php49/kilo MSRP for imported rice in the subject localities while Valencia City will still have to conduct a stakeholders consultation meeting to be able to recommend the MSRP for their city.

The proposed MSRP was derived after a consensus on the analysis and discussion of the rice price trend, cost structure and impact to rice importers, wholesalers and retailers.

Prior to its executory enforcement, the proposed MSRP will undergo final validation by the DA warranting the availability of affordable rice for the Filipino consumers while maintaining a fair trading environment for rice industry stakeholders. # (ATT)

DA-10 joins planning for Bukidnon coffee Arabica roadmap

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON —The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, joins the conduct of a planning workshop for the Bukidnon Consortium of Coffee Cooperatives and Associations (BCCCA) on March 3 to 4, at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Dalwangan, here.

The activity aims to come up with a detailed implementation plan for the 500-hectare Arabica coffee planting target for 2025 and strengthen collaboration with key industry partners, with the BCCCA as the lead implementer of the Bukidnon coffee Arabica roadmap.

Through its High Value Crops Development Program, the DA-10 supports the coffee industry by funding capacitation activities and the implementation of various production and processing projects.

Also joining the activity are the Department of Trade and Industry -10, the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Bukidnon, different coffee farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and other DA-10 staff.# (CRS)