PRDP-IREAP 10 hosts the Cacao strategic planning workshop for cacao proponent groups.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project RPCO 10 through Project Director and Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado holds a Cacao strategic planning workshop for cacao proponent groups on February 13-16, this city.

Ameroche Caba, PRDP-PSO Organizational Development Specialist said that the output of the workshop is a valuable input to the Mindanao region’s strategic directions for the cacao clusters.

These include coming up with a strategic plan for Region 10 and creating a steering committee that will oversee the implementation of the said plan.

Some members of the Balaoro Farmers Association , Inc. (BAFA) of Kadingilan, Bukidnon, and Bugcaon Kulasihan Manupali Irrigators Association (BUKUMA IA) of Lantapan, Bukidnon were capacitated to focus on setting the direction of the regional cacao cluster, including the challenges and strategies for collaboration.

It further emphasizes the formulation of vision, mission, and strategy tools like strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats which is vital in the development plan.

The workshop is in preparation for the Mindanao CAFÉ (Convergence of Agriculture and Fishery Enterprise):3rd PRDP Consultation and Workshop for Cacao Proponent Groups on the third week of February in Davao City.

Partner agencies supporting the activity comprised the Department of Trade and Industry 10, DA-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, with the LGUs and DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program and Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2).#

Agri-10 encourages youth’s interest in agriculture through the provision of agri inputs through Malasalug Elementary School’s Gulayan program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the growing concern over aging Filipino farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) continuously supports the Gulayan sa Paaralan projects of primary and secondary schools in Northern Mindanao, as part of its effort to foster the younger generation’s interest in agriculture.

The DA-10 provided garden tools and vegetable seeds packages to Malasalug Elementary School of Sapad town in Lanao del Norte, on Wednesday, February 14.

The provision which includes 4 pieces light hoe, 25 pieces plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces shovel, 4 pieces sprinkler, 4 pieces weeding bolo and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds, was handed over by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga and received by Sapad OIC-Municipal Agriculturist, Fawquiah A. Acmad on behalf of the school.

Dir. Madriaga said the DA acknowledges the importance of youth involvement in advocating inclusive agricultural development in the region.

“The youths play an important role in our effort toward food security. At a young age, they must be taught practical means to produce safe and affordable food for themselves and their family,” she said.

The DA-10 vowed to continue supporting other educational institutions in the region who are planning to establish a school garden within their vicinity.# (ATT/Photo supplied)

DA-10 amps its effort to promote local food production and a healthier lifestyle through the provision of veggie seeds. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continuous bid to amp its effort to promote local food production and a healthier lifestyle, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) provides assorted vegetable seeds to one of its Oro-based partner government agencies.

On February 13 at the agency compound, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over said provisions, which includes 20 packets of ‘Pinakbet’ seeds, comprising of eggplant, okra, ampalaya, pole sitao, and squash to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Said agricultural inputs were received by DICT through Acmilah Macabuat, Information Technology Officer II and Bret D. John Morales, Planning Officer II.

RED Collado urged its partner agency to ensure the planting of such seeds in the premises of their office, noting that each packet can be planted to a 1,000-square meter area.

More importantly, he added that they can help the agri department in ensuring food security in urban areas at the same time encourage their personnel to consume nutritious food come its harvest season. # (JLO)

DA-10 and PhilHealth sign a MOA to have the former’s employees be included in the Group Enrollment Program of the latter.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado inks a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Health Insurance, Corp. 10 (PhilHealth 10) on February 13, for the enrollment of its personnel to the former’s Group Enrollment Program.

The activity marks the renewed commitment of national government agencies (NGAs), including DA to work together with PhilHealth toward the common goal of improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in the country.

With the program, RED Collado emphasized the department’s important role in assisting for the provision of social health insurance protection to its non-regular employees such as Job Orders (JOs), Contract of Service (COS), and consultants at the same time, he further urged for its attached bureaus, agencies and corporations to do the same.

Together with the agri exec chief, PhilHealth 10 under the leadership of Regional Vice-President Delio A. Aseron II, signed the MOA for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program through the abovementioned scheme to facilitate the mass enrollment and provision of financial risk protection to informal economy workers through social health insurance coverage.

Similarly, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have also signed the said agreement with PhilHealth.

The event is part of the 29th anniversary celebration of PhilHealth on February 14 and NHI Month every month of February.#(MPMT)

DA and PRRI eye to undertake research projects to strengthen the adoption of the latest rubber technologies among farmers. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Set to promote and strengthen the adoption of the latest rubber technologies among farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) discussed initial steps for its upcoming research projects on February 13, at the agency compound here.

The team focused on looking into DA-10 through the Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan and the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, both of Bukidnon province, as potential sites for the establishment of budwood garden and technology demonstration sites, among others.

“These research projects will have a big impact on the rubber industry in Bukidnon, especially since it is identified as a rubber growing province,” PRRI Supervising Science Research Specialist Meynard P. Abello shared.

On the other hand, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca is hopeful that the eyed endeavor through the agri department’s research stations, will greatly improve the province’s rubber production with the various introduced rubber farming technologies.

Also attending the meeting are Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan of DA-10, and PRRI Statistician I Elvert G. Simbol.#(AMBM)

Camiguin farmers are eyed to reap benefits from DA-SAAD 10’s free-range chicken project.

With the aim of empowering local communities and fostering sustainable livelihoods, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) recently distributed free-range chicken to the Owakan Chicken Farmers’ Association (FA) in Mahinog, Camiguin.

Under the Phase 2 implementation of the SAAD program, the FA received P281,500 worth of agri-inputs which includes 275 head of free-range chicken, 20 bags of chick grower feeds, and one freezer.

The initiative is aimed to address the need for income-generating opportunities in rural areas, benefiting the 25 members of the FA of barangay Owakan of said town. # (AMBM)

DA-10 reinforces the Gulayan sa Paaralan project of MNHS through the provision of agri inputs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aligned with its goal to urge the youth to participate in the attainment of food self-reliance and -sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) manifests its support to the Gulayan sa Paaralan project of an Oro-based school through the provision of agricultural inputs.

DA-10 headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado represented by Senior Agriculturist Nanette Gay M. Aleria and High Value Crops Development Program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan, handed over on February 8, four pieces each of light hoe, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo, 25 pieces plastic seedling tray, and assorted vegetable seeds (Pinakbet) to Denver E. Neri, Macasandig National High School (MNHS) assistant head.

The school official said that the provisions will be used to carry on with the implementation of their Gulayan project.

He added that the activity is being adopted by the school not only to teach students on how to grow vegetables, at the same time integrate learning on entrepreneurship, as students sell the surplus of their production.

With the extended agri assistance, RED Collado pins his hopes in the continuity of the Gulayan project of MNHS, as it promotes food production activities in their community while reconnecting students to the source of their food.# (JLO)

Agri-10 provides Jasaan NHS agri inputs for their Gulayan program. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continuous support of the development of Gulayan sa Paaralan projects, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), under the tutelage of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, provided agricultural materials to Jasaan National High School (JNHS) on February 8, at the agency compound.

Senior Agriculturist Nanette Gay M. Aleria and High Value Crops Development Program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan turned over a package of agri interventions composed of four pieces each of light hoe, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo, 25 pieces of plastic seedling tray and three packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seed to Grenberge B. Timario II, Master Teacher/Assistant to the Principal and Josephine M. Seco, Teacher III.

According to Seco, said provision would help the school cultivate their agri area with the help of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) parents and their children studying in JNHS.

“We are very thankful to DA-10 that they gave us planting materials with tools and equipment so we can put up a garden that is at par with the quality standards of the Gulayan sa Paaralan by DepEd,” she furthered. # (TJTL)

DA-PRDP 10 evaluates a coffee enterprise subproject in Maramag town.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – To gauge the emerging benefits of the interventions given by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project to the Rural Improvement Club Federation of Kape Maramag (RIC Kape Maramag), the team from the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) 10 conducted a week-long Rapid Appraisal for Emerging Benefits (RAEB) for the Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject on February 5-9, in this town.

To successfully assess the impact of the subproject, assessment tools such as Key Informant Interviews (KII), Focused Group Discussions (FGD), Household Interviews (HH), and spot interviews were used to draw responses from the officers and members of the RIC Kape Maramag, representatives from the Local Government Unit of Maramag, traders, and stakeholders involved in the subproject.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that the activity is vital to pinpoint the subproject’s impacts and, at the same time, take necessary actions to the concerns that were identified after the evaluation.

“Our assistance does not stop during the turnover of the project. We are aiming for the long-term benefits for our beneficiaries” Dir. Collado said.

During the spot interview, Cherewilde B. Alerta, a coffee farmer and a member of the RIC, was able to enjoy the benefits brought by the interventions of DA-PRDP to RIC Kape Maramag.

“I started planting coffee in 2004. Before Kape Maramag was established, we sold our coffee produce to other buyers at a very cheap price because middlemen kept on meddling. Now, with Kape Maramag, we are assured of a market that will pay a better price.”

He further shared, “ I felt changes when DA-PRDP assisted the RIC. Our produce is being picked-up from our farm through their hauling vehicle which helped us save for transport costs. We are no longer paying Php 350.00 per hauling.”

He said that they have access to post harvest facilities that help maintain quality of their produce and other coffee farmers have benefited from the services of RIC. For that, he extended his gratitude to the RIC and to DA-PRDP.

Another farmer-beneficiary, Cornelio G. Eraya, Jr., was also able to expand his farm through the use of the solar-drying facility.

“I am thankful to DA-PRDP and to RIC Kape Maramag for placing the solar dryer facility near our farms. This has been very useful for us in ensuring the quality of our produce, thus, helping us earn more income.”

Eraya started with just a hectare of land to plant coffee but now, he was able to buy and expand his coffee farm to 30 hectares.

He added, “I believe that the DA-PRDP and the RIC Kape Maramag, through their assistance to us, are instrumental for me to reach this feat.”

For this, he is thankful to the government through the DA-PRDP, who are instrumental in making sure that coffee farmers like him were assisted with various interventions.

Led by the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Unit, the activity is conducted a year after the subproject was turned over.

The result of the RAEB will be consolidated as it will determine the effectiveness of the subproject and will also serve as benchmark in granting same project to other beneficiaries. #

Agri 10 apprises Camiguin agri stakeholders on info on climate patterns and forecasts affecting the agri fishery sector of said province. 

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – In fostering resilience and preparedness within communities vulnerable to the impacts of El Niño, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU) conducted a Climate Information Caravan cum El Niño forum on February 6-7, in Camiguin province.

Per the report, the outlook for areas’ potential for dry, dry spells and drought conditions shows that Camiguin is likely to experience dry conditions by the end of February and is predicted to shift to drought conditions by the end of May 2024, based on the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) PAGASA data.

Around 77 participants, coming from the different government sectors and some farmer-leaders of Camiguin, convened to learn valuable information on climate patterns and forecasts affecting the agricultural and fishery sectors of the province.

The island of Camiguin is a farming and fishing province with a rich agricultural heritage and is known for its fertile volcanic soil, favorable climate, and diverse agricultural practices that primarily focus on the cultivation of crops such as rice, corn, coconut, various fruits and vegetables, and fisheries.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the activity aims to provide invaluable insights, knowledge about climate conditions, and information on the El Niño phenomenon and its environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Camiguin Provincial Agriculturist Aida G. Chan conveyed her appreciation to everyone in attendance for their full cooperation at the event.

“I’m thankful to DA-10, especially to Dir. Collado for granting our request to have this activity [Climate Info Car Cum El Niño Forum], as this would greatly help our sector leaders and farmers to better understand the effect of the El Niño phenomenon and its mitigation measures needed concerning the agricultural sector in our province,” she said.

Significant to its role in providing information, DA-10 Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) alternate focal person Gay Nanette M. Aleria added that the activity serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of climate change adaptation and the need for collective action to address the challenges posed by El Niño.

Accordingly, the agency prioritized the implementation of water management strategies and other related interventions, continuous monitoring and coordination with PAGASA regarding climate forecast, enhancement of the DA-El Nino mitigation and action plan, maximizing and optimizing production in non-threatened areas, and rehabilitation of affected areas.

Lastly, strengthened collaboration with local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address the anticipated changes in precipitation patterns during El Niño.

Also presented are the El Niño action plans of DOST PAGASA, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).# (RDME)