NBSC collaborates with DA-10 on research initiatives related to high-valued crops and products.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to collaborate with the Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) for its research initiatives.

As such, the NBSC research team met with DA-10’s Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD and High-Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan in a courtesy meeting on January 16, at the agency compound to discuss research details and procedures.

NBSC Research Team Leader Mary Koren W. Acuesa, PhD explained that they are currently conducting a research on “COCONET: Connecting Coconut Farmers to New Markets and Traders, in collaboration with the Office of Senator Pia S. Cayetano, which aims to assess the status of coconut farmers in Northern Mindanao.

Moving forward, the academe is also set tie-up with the agency on the project, “Engendering Climate Resilience and Sustainable Valorization of Bukidnon Indigenous Food Products,” also known as Project MOCHA (Management of Coffee, wild raw Honey and Adlai) in partnership with the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) and the local government units of Manolo Fortich and Sumilao.

Said project is under a grant from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) from the Government of Canada which aims to add value to said food commodities and promote sustainable agriculture.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado shared, “The collaborative efforts of DA-10 and NBSC are aligned with the commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation towards a positive impact on society.” # (AMBManto)

Agri-10 continues to support the Gulayan sa Paaralan project of the different educational institutions in CdeO City with the provision of agri-inputs and tools.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Consistent with its goal to draw the agriculture sector closer to the youth, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) continuously supports the Gulayan sa Paaralan Project of educational institutions in CdeO City.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over on Friday, January 19, 4 pieces light hoe, 25 pieces plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces shovel, 4 pieces weeding bolo, and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds to Ivy Joy Enerio, Tinagpoloan National High School’s (TNHS) disbursing officer.

Enerio said the garden tools and farm inputs provided by DA will be utilized in maintaining TNHS’s existing school garden.

She added that such initiative is particularly relevant for the students to appreciate the value of farming and be of help in their household.

In light of its goal to achieve food security in the region, Dir. Collado affirmed DA-10’s continued support to urban agriculture initiatives of the government and private organizations.

He said the department is keen on introducing and encouraging city dwellers to engage into alternative gardening methods to produce safe and affordable food at their own homes.# (ATT)

Agri-10 provides P2-M in check through its Kadiwa Financial Assistance Program to the municipality of Munai.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure efficient means of transporting agricultural products from farms to markets, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed over P2 million (M) in check to Munai, Lanao del Norte (LDN), Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) Charion B. Mayo on January 19 at the agency compound.

Through DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) under its Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program, the procurement of transport and delivery vehicle project has a total project cost of P2.5-M, of which DA-10 provided P2-M, while the remaining P500K is counterparted by the said LGU.

According to Dir. Collado, the transport and delivery vehicle, plays a crucial role in benefiting farmers in the municipality, which will provide a reliable and efficient means of transporting agricultural products from farms to markets or processing facilities.

“By ensuring timely delivery, farmers can minimize postharvest losses and maintain the quality of their produce. This does not only maximize their profits, but also helps meet the increasing demand for fresh and high quality agricultural products,” he conveyed.

In an interview, MAO Mayo expressed his gratitude to DA-10 for the financial assistance they received that would empower and develop the agricultural programs of the town.

“Such project will be used for the enhancement of our KADIWA program in Munai. Wherein, our farmers will be able to deliver farm products from their farm to the Munai town center and the ongoing wet market and multipurpose building, including those markets that will be provided to us by other government agencies,” he said.

He added that this will help reduce the cost of transportation and also be able to reach those barangays that are difficult to reach due to the condition of the roads.

The procurement of transport and delivery vehicle project is also aligned with the objective of the KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) program, which seeks to enhance the competitiveness of local agriculture while improving the livelihoods of farmers. #(RDME)

Agri-10 thru RTD Madriaga turns over the P9.6-M trading post to the city government of Malaybalay.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To sell the agricultural products of farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turns over the P9.6-million (M)trading post to the City Government of Malaybalay in Bukidnon, on January 17.

Located in the market site of Barangay 9 of said city, this will serve as a trading post for farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) to increase productivity in agricultural and fishery production in localities.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the project aims to establish a centralized marketing platform that is accessible to link farmers to consumers ensuring the availability and accessibility of food commodities in high consumer demand areas.

Under the leadership of DA’s Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., modernization of agriculture and digitalization are among the priorities in his administration, in which the farmers should coordinate, converge, and cooperate for the project to be successful from the national down to the local government units, Madriaga added.

Out from the total project cost, CLGU Malaybalay counterparted P4.6-M and DA-10 provided P5-M funded under the Marketing Development Services of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Over 10 identified FCAs producing vegetable, spices, processed foods, and livestock by-products will benefit from the project, enabling them to link producers directly to consumers.

Also, the City Economic Enterprise Development Office (CEEDMO) of Malaybalay will be in-charge in the operation and maintenance of the facility.

One of the beneficiaries of the facility, Marlyn J. Gallardo, chairman of the Vegetable Growers association said that through the trading post many farmers can expand their opportunity to sell their agricultural commodities and will to help elevate the economy of the city.

[Pinaagi sa trading post, daghang mga mag-uuma ang mopalapad sa kahigayonan sa pagbaligya sa ilang mga palaliton sa agrikultura ug tinguha sa pagpataas sa ekonomiya niining syudad.]

Malaybalay City mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran emphasized that the government continues to provide facilities to support and encourage the farmers to be more resilient and proactive, urging careful planning to address and enhance the resilience of farmers against challenges.

Attending the event were Vice-Mayor Estelito R. Marabe, Sangguniang Panglalawigan Committee on Agriculture Alan Ryan O. Legaspi, DA-AMAD Agriculturist II Helen M. Roldan, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Engineer III Alden C. Tapio of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), and other city officials.#(MPMT)

Gov’t. agencies with DA as the lead agency, convene for the finalization of the food security cluster in preparation for El Niño.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Bracing for the impact of El Niño which is forecasted to take a full swing this year, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU), called for a meeting to finalize the composition of Food Security Cluster on January 19, in this city.

DA-10 Field Operations Division chief and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) focal person Luz I. Guzman, PhD said that the meeting aims to finalize the structure of the Food Security Cluster which is responsible for giving assistance to the farmers and ensuring availability of food in the onslaught of the El Niño.

Likewise, she emphasized on the inclusion of other agencies as directed by the national DRRM through Memorandum Circular No. 5, Series of 2023 which creates a local El Niño team, particularly on the food sector with DA as the lead agency.

It also underscored how the DA, including other government agencies with the different local government units and other relevant agricultural stakeholders should converge, collaborate and cooperate in order to achieve the interventions set by the food security cluster.

The body also agreed that an action plan for mitigating the effects of El Niño should be presented by the agencies in the next meeting along with the submission of names of their respective focal persons and their alternates, and the regular conduct of meetings.

Said activity was attended by representatives from the different regional agencies which include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), National Food Authority (NFA), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Also in attendance are Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project -10 (MIADP-10) Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas, DRRM alternate focal person Gay Nanette M. Aleria, DA-10 CERRMU focal Sherafin Simon P. Calacar and other staff. # (CRS)

DA-10 provides support to MIS’ urban agri initiatives. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote the production and consumption of vegetables and at the same time address malnutrition, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) handed over some vegetable seeds and garden tools for the Musibay Integrated School (MIS) in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte on January 12 at the agency compound.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas and Senior Agriculturist, Richan D. Lacanaria of the Field Operations Division, turned over assorted (Pinakbet) vegetable seeds, and garden tools such as light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo to Onilyn M. Patad, a farm worker of the Local Government Unit of Nunungan.

Patad said that the provisions will aid in the implementation of MIS’s Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, which will engage students in gardening and eventually, will also provide them with easier access to fresh and quality produce, which is essential to having a healthy diet.# (MPMT)

LGU San Fernando with an FMR subproject undergoes procurement training for harmonized World Bank guidelines.

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) together with the Mindanao Project Support Office (PSO Mindanao) conducted the first procurement training for harmonized World Bank (WB) guidelines for the year 2024 on January 9-12.

The training was given to the Local Government Unit of San Fernando, Bukidnon for the concreting of the 8.62 KM Mahayag, Namnam – Iglugsad – Kibongcog Farm to Market Road SP which was issued with a No Objection Letter 1 (NOL 1) by the National Project Coordinating Office (NPCO) last December 27.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado congratulated the first LGU given approval for their subproject to be funded under PRDP Scale- up.

He also emphasized that it is essential for the LGU to be capacitated on the protocols and guidelines of the WB procurement process.

“I am positive that this training will prepare and capacitate the participants in order to have a smooth and successful project implementation – starting from the PR prep down to finalizing the winning bidder,” Dir. Collado said.

He also assured the LGU that RPCO 10 will always be of assistance for the future success of the SP.

To show his support for the SP, San Fernando mayor Rogelio C. Yeke also attended the activity. In his message, he expressed his gratitude for PRDP’s support and guidance.

“I am thankful to the PRDP team for the assistance that our project is to be issued NOL 1 under PRDP Scale-up. I ask for your continued support and teamwork for the implementation of our subproject,” Mayor Yeke said.

The training serves as a prerequisite for the LGU to proceed to the next level of procurement which includes the preparation of enabling documents for public bidding.

Resource speakers for the training were PSO-Mindanao Procurement Officers Chona Jarabata and Ellen Briones together with DA-PRDP 10 Procurement Unit Head Jeffrey B. Baja, Proc Officer Dionesio Cagampang, RIE Engr. Antonio Teves, and Finance Analyst Andrew Salon. # (IAgawin)

DA-PRDP 10 bags the most awards during the 4th PRDP Mindanao Cluster Awards.

DAVAO CITY- With great honor and pride, the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) received the most coveted award in the recently concluded 4th PRDP Mindanao Cluster Awards night on January 11, 2024, in this city.

Region 10 bagged the Gold award for Outstanding Performance in the physical and financial accomplishments and overall execution of subproject implementation in 2023, which significantly contributed to the development of rural communities in the region.

Accepting the award, DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director, Carlene C. Collado, expressed his gratitude to the organizer, the Project Support Office (PSO) Mindanao for initiating the event.

“This award is the fruit of our labor and this will serve as an inspiration for the team to do more.” the director said further thanking the people who were instrumental in pushing Region 10 to the top.

Aside from the major award, DA-PRDP 10 also received the following awards:

1st place – Financial accomplishments award;
1st place- Largest Portfolio of IREAP subproject;
1st place- Updated CIP award;
Highest disbursement for IBUILD;
2nd place- Fastest Average Procurement Timeline award (bid opening to award);
2nd place- Physical Accomplishment award;
3rd place- Most number of completed IBUILD subprojects (AF2-EU);
3rd place- Most number of cleared procurement entries in the WB step portal and;
The Convergence Award: Private Sector Engagement.

The event was also graced by the RPCO teams from regions 9, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM.#

Agri-10 sets aside over P9.2-million for the implementation of an intercropping program for coconut farmers regionwide thru CFIDP. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office headed by its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado together with the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) handed over certificates of turnover worth over P9.2 million of agricultural interventions to the beneficiaries of the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) here.

Said interventions are composed of cacao and coffee seedlings, including organic and inorganic fertilizers intended for some 82 identified beneficiaries across the region, such as farmers’ cooperatives and the local government units (LGUs).

RED Collado said that the agri assistance promotes the sustainable growth of the coconut sector by also implementing an intercropping program through the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of existing coffee and cacao trees already intercropped under coconuts, expansion of coconut-coffee and coconut-cacao intercropping, and establishment of cacao and coffee nurseries.

For facilitation, Director Collado handed over the certificates to the Philippine Coconut Authority – X through its Regional Manager Manuel G. Octobre for distribution to the identified recipients throughout Northern Mindanao.

On the same occasion, LGU Manolo Fortich represented by Emerson John B. Tagas, agricultural technician, received 27 bags of organic fertilizer amounting to almost P13K.

Following the signing of Republic Act 11524, otherwise known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Fund Act, CFIDP was approved through Executive Order 172, which was signed on June 2, 2022, which aims to increase the income and productivity of coconut farmers toward poverty alleviation and achieving social equality.# (MPMT)

BLMC receives their P2-M check for emerging as the champion of DA and ATI’s CCMEA.

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative (BLMC) is seen to escalate their operations and augment farmers’ income, as they have received a P2-million in check on January 11, for emerging as the champion in the Agricultural Training Institute and the Department of Agriculture’s 2023 Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Award.

As the 29-year old organization based in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon continues to primarily engage in cassava production with sealed marketing agreements with established feed millers and other market outlets, Bliss targets to procure a hauling truck using the monetary prize to reduce postharvest losses and transportation costs as well as hasten their deliveries and enable them to meet any required volume in time.

BLMC has garnered the top prize for said award, as they have contributed to the furtherance of the cassava industry in the country, with emphasis on being involved and supportive of DA’s implementation of various programs, projects and interventions that overall help uplift the lives of its coop members.# (JLO)