The agri department in NorMin spearheads an exit conference for participatory monitoring and tracking of projects.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) conducted an exit conference for the joint Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and AFCs to monitor and track the progress of DA-funded programs and projects on September 1, 2023, in this city.

Said conference aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the implementation of various agricultural and fisheries projects funded by DA.

The provincial AFCs of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental presented their respective updates.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized the significance of the participatory approach in promoting inclusivity and empowering local communities.

“The joint effort between PCAF and AFCs has allowed us to gather valuable insights directly from the communities that are benefiting from our programs. Feedback enables us [in the agency] to make informed decisions and adjustments to better serve the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao,” said Director Collado.

During the conference, participants reviewed the outcomes of the Participatory Monitoring Process, which involves engaging local communities and stakeholders in assessing the impact and effectiveness of DA-funded initiatives.

This is to ensure that the interventions provided are aligned with the needs and priorities of target agri-fishery communities.

The body further agreed that DA must revalidate the projects monitored, particularly those with issues and concerns that need to be addressed.

Present during the activity are Cyril L. Soliaban, officer-in-charge, deputy executive director of PCAF, RAFC 10 chair Nilda B. Salas and staff, DA-10 officials and programs staff, and other AFCs across NorMin.# (DLVicente)

DA-10 through its AMAD supports the registration and certification of NorMin agribiz enterprises.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducts a Facilitation in the Registration/Certification of farmers’ associations, cooperatives (FCAs) and young farmers’ agribusiness enterprises, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Twenty-one FCAs and 16 young farmers across Northern Mindanao attended the activity, which aimed to inform on the legal aspects of running a business, which is crucial to ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, streamlining administrative processes, and enabling these entities to better contribute to the agricultural ecosystem.

Said activity focused the discussion on the process and documentary requirements for the registration of their business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); product packaging and labeling with DTI; and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices for food operators.

Also presented were the steps for enrollment into DA-10’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), and Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation, which will overall allow the participants to benefit from DA-10’s various interventions and services as well as serve as the department’s development partners in the implementation of agri-fishery projects.

With the activity at hand, DA-10 AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman is hopeful that they will maximize the opportunity to access the available resources and support, in order to foster sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen market linkages.

Also attending the event were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, AMAD senior agriculturist Rosell P. Tuba-on, and other agency personnel.# (MPMTablon)

DA-10 is set to provide cash assistance thru RCEF-RFFA to the rice farmers in NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to distribute around 6,497 cash cards for its sixth batch of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance in Northern Mindanao through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Said cash cards were turned over by Northern Mindanao area manager William B. Parantar of the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and DA-10 Rice program coordinator Chona H. Nacalaban.

Using the cash cards, eligible rice farmers will receive P5K cash assistance under the RCEF-RFFA as stipulated under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

This initiative aims to help cushion the impact among rice farmers, especially on increasing production costs; thereby, contributing to lowering prices of rice. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 and City LGU of CdeO convene for the conduct of an onion derby within the city.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To help determine the suitability of planting onions in the city, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, convened with the City Agriculture’s Office (CAO) of CdeO at the agency compound, for the conduct of an Allium derby in said city.

The meeting is in response to the clamor of Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd district of CdeO to conduct a derby within the city.

This is following DA’s first-ever conduct in the region through its research stations in Malaybalay City and Dangcagan, Bukidnon, and Claveria, Misamis Oriental, to showcase the different onion varieties and farming technologies that would yield the best results across varied soil and climatic conditions.

Recognizing onions as a staple spice, DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan underscored that the conduct of such an initiative in CdeO will be beneficial for producers and consumers alike with its rising cost, at the same time conveyed the criteria for ideal onion-producing sites.

Initially, CAO-CdeO led by City Agriculturist Paterno L. Gonzales, have initially laid down potential sites for the onion derby in the city.#

CdeO hog raisers are seen to benefit from the INSPIRE program of DA-10. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Backyard hog raisers in sitio Tuburan of barangay Lumbia and other nearby localities here are seen to benefit from the P10-million (M) Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

On August 30, the agri department led by Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga together with the benefitting local government of CdeO through Acting City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario P. Raagas along with Perla T. Asis, city veterinarian, and its department heads, led the groundbreaking for the construction of the almost P6-M biosecured swine facility in said sitio.

DA-10 Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc explained that the infrastructure is one of the components of the INSPIRE program, and is now being implemented in the area, following the grant of sentinel pigs to help the city bounce back in repopulating and upgrading the local swine industry in its bid to produce sufficient supply of hogs and pork.

It can be recalled that CdeO was first hit by African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease of pigs early in the year 2021.

“Dili siya usual nga tangkal lang nga inyong adtuan, apan kini na facility naa gyud siya’y disinfection, maligo gyud ta kay dili kapataka og sulod ang mga tawo, ug kung maka relate mo sa commercial farms, gi adopt ang iyang biosecurity measures.” Docdoc detailed.

Besides the soon-to-rise facility, the package of interventions under INSPIRE is composed of 300 head of piglets as initial stock (P2.55-M), 550 bags of feed (1.375-M), and drugs and biologics (P75K).

RTD Madriaga is pinning her hopes that said project will provide help to the people, especially the affected backyard hog raisers.

She added, “We are ensuring that the LGU will manage and operate the facility to safeguard its sustainability.”

The director furthered the importance of the city’s availment of assistance through DA’s National Livestock Program, as the region is one of the top swine producers across the country.

Per PSA report released last August 22, NorMin’s volume of hog production from April to June 2023 is recorded at 50.98K metric tons (liveweight).

On behalf of CdeO City Mayor Rolando A. Uy, Atty. Raagas lauded the national government’s support through DA as it also aligns with the city’s “Rise” framework which highlights metropolization as key for economic recovery.

“Mautro ang dagway sa atong resource mobilization sa atong nasud, akip na sa atong dakbayan. Ang dako na pahat didto nato itutok sa economic productivity apil na, ilabina ang agricultural production,” the official articulated.

Said community-based swine production facility is just one among the seven funded by DA-10 for the current year.

Also supporting the groundbreaking rite is DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief for Misamis Oriental Wilson V. Lagdamin, Tuburan local officials and residents, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).# (JLO)

The RCI-TWG conducts a final review and critiquing of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area Development Plan to jointly help in achieving clean and sustainable water resource for agriculture, industry, and economy

PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON — In its concerted efforts to advance a clean and sustainable water resource for agriculture, industry, and economy, the Regional Convergence Initiative – Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG) spearheaded the final review and critiquing of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP) on August 24, 2023.

The meeting follows the CADP writeshop conducted by the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City last May 16 to 19, 2023.

Members of the RCI-TWG in attendance include the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado as lead convener, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-10), and officials of the local government unit (LGU) of Pangantucan.

Discussed during the meeting were salient points of the Muleta CADP, presented by Pangantucan Municipal Agriculturist Teodoro B. Quirante III, including the watershed profile, major goals and strategies of the CADP, and the budgetary requirements for implementation from 2023 until 2027.

DA-10 Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas enjoined the RCI-TWG to continuously offer their inputs to improve the plan and underscored the potential benefits of the CADP for the community of Pangantucan when approved.

“Through this CADP, we hope to convey that this kind of investment is urgent, very important, and very necessary because we have a vision and an end in mind. We are more excited about this project on account of the fact that there is an opportunity where we can work together [to] build up development in these areas,” Rudinas said.

Pangantucan Municipal Administrator Ian Boy A. Garcenila thanked the support of the RCI-TWG in developing the said plan toward progress and the development of their community.

Comments and suggestions from members of the RCI-TWG will be incorporated into the final document before the final presentation to the National Steering Committee for review and approval in October this year.# (GDA)
EPT

Agri-10 thru its RSL and FCAL undergo PAB accreditation audit for ISO 17025

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure the provision of quality and competent services through its laboratories, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado undergoes an accreditation audit on August 15-18, 2023, at the agency compound, in this city.

Particularly, the Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD)’s application for ISO 17025 accreditation for its Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) and Feed Chemical Analytical Laboratory (FCAL) were evaluated by the Philippine Accreditations Bureau (PAB) headed by its team leader Florean Cunanan.

ISO 17025 is a global quality standard for testing and calibration laboratories. Said audit aims to assess the region’s laboratories with regard to their compliance with management and technical requirements.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca highlighted the importance of the said activity to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results to provide quality service to agricultural clientele.

On one hand, RSL offers soils and fertilizers tests and analyses, refill of soil test kits for mobile soil analyses, and production of compost fungus activator.

On the other hand, FCAL extends feed, feed element and mineral analyses, activity tests, feed microscopy examinations, and aflatoxin tests.

Following a thorough inspection, audit findings will be presented to take the necessary corrective actions. # (AMBManto)

Agri-10 turns over about P295K agri inputs to LGU CdeO to help mitigate the impact brought by El Niño. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To mitigate the potential effects of El Niño, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over a total of nine boxes of assorted vegetable seeds, and 25 plastic water drums, to the City Government of Cagayan de Oro (CLGU) on August 14, 2023, at the agency compound.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over in detail 360 packets of Pinakbet, 360 packets of Sinigang and 750 packets of Chopsuey seeds to City Agriculturist Paterno L. Gonzales, Jr.

According to RED Collado, the provision of vegetable seeds from DA aims to enhance agricultural resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of changing weather patterns among our local farmers and gardeners.

Gonzales said the interventions will help the agricultural sector and the well-being of the farming communities by ensuring water resiliency against El Niño.

The assortment of vegetable seeds is funded under the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).# (DLVicente)

Some DA-10 existing, new and would-be supervisors undergo SDC on Communication.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Thirty-nine personnel of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) were conferred as completers by the Civil Service Commission – Regional Field Office X (CSC-X) after finishing the Supervisory Development Course (SDC) on Communication: The Secret to Organizational Effectiveness on August 24-25, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex here.

Said training course aims to equip some of the existing, new and would-be supervisors, ranging from salary grades 11 to 22, on honing their communication skills toward effective communication by avoiding the faultlines within the organization, at the same time, achieving purposeful and productive listening.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse highlighted the importance of undergoing such course, as supervisors, especially the unseasoned ones, can learn and relearn an essential skill such as communication, as they take on or transition into leadership roles.

Leading CSC-X and one of the training subject matter experts, Acting Director Noemi Rabe-Torres also underscored listening as an integral part of communication.

“Effective listening lays the foundation for success. It enables you to tap into the vast resources available to you and to tune in to the flow of information that can make you a better supervisor, a more effective employee and a truly successful person.” the director remarked.

Other topics tackled include the steps to effective communication, challenges in communication, among others, which overall put premium that active listening coupled with effective sharing of information translates into effective communication.

In his closing remarks, recognizing the near end of this quarter, Pedarse added that hopefully, through the SDC course, the participants will serve as the agency’s staunch allies in bridging the gaps of communication within the office, for better delivery of services and interventions to agricultural clienteles and other relevant stakeholders.

Also acting as the subject matter experts are CSC Bukidnon Field Office director Lourdes B. Pelaez and Marianne V. Andrade. # (JLO)

DA-10 equips LFTs on hydroponics.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote the adoption of vegetable production through hydroponics, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) capacitates Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) on August 10-11, 2023 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Spearheaded by the Various Production Support Services (VPSS), around 56 LFTs from the region gathered for the package of technology training on hydroponics.

Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo from the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) demonstrated how lettuce can be grown in styrofoam boxes by using a nutrient solution.

Further, the LFTs were briefed on their duties and responsibilities as extension workers in promoting and disseminating technologies and submissions of monthly reports. (AMBManto)