LGU convenes with DA-10 through RED Collado for the availment of agri assistance under its special project.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- To learn the guidelines for the acquisition of special and foreign-assisted projects of the Department of Agriculture, Tangub City Mayor Sabiniano S. Canama discussed with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on March 15, the guidelines for availing these projects, at the agency’s compound in this city.

Aside from the agency’s regular funded banner programs under rice, corn, high-value commodities, and livestock, Director Collado also shared foreign-funded projects that the DA-10 offers which the LGUs can avail.

Said projects include the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) and the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), of which he encouraged the submission of the letter of intent and compliance with the requirements for validation of the request.

Mayor Canama requested an exclusive orientation and project briefing about the guidelines for banner programs and foreign-funded projects are set to be conducted with the concerned officials of CLGU Tangub next week. #

DA-10 welcomes this year’s second batch of newly promoted and appointed employees.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The second batch of this year’s newly promoted and appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took their oath of office, earlier today, on March 15, at the agency compound.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado administered the oathtaking ceremony of the six employees with their corresponding positions and assignments:

Promoted
1. Nilo C. Panugaling, Jr. – Science Research Specialist II, Research Division
2. Dryan Anthony D. Illana – Market Specialist II, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division
3. Ralph Rhoyd I. Soco – Agriculturist I, Field Operations Division (FOD)

Newly appointed
1. Caressa Mae D. Pacana – Agriculturist I, FOD
2. Dolly P. Ebio – Agriculturist I, Regulatory Division
3. Edwin Tristan A. Lumawag – Accountant I, Administrative and Finance Division

Also present in the ceremony are Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board chair and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, heads and senior staff of concerned divisions.#(MPMT)

DA-10 ranks third in the nationwide financial and cash management performance for FY 2023.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado garnered third place across all regional field offices (RFOs) nationwide for demonstrating sustained and effective financial and cash management for fiscal year (FY) 2023.

The recognition, which is based on the monthly utilization of the Notice of Cash Allotment for payables, was conferred earlier this week by the DA-Central Office during the year-end financial evaluation and assessment for FY 2023, held in Baguio City.

On behalf of Director Collado, the Administrative and Finance Division team led by Supervising Administrative Officer Marilou A. Santua, received the certificate of recognition, along with other DA-RFO representatives from the Ilocos and Central Luzon regions, who placed first and second, respectively.

On the achievement, the agri chief exec expressed his gratitude to the DA-10 workforce, who have been instrumental in bagging such a feat, noting the optimum and efficient utilization of funds while meeting the agency’s financial obligations.

“Guided on our mantra ’10 for 1′, which aims for Northern Mindanao to be on top, this award serves as a testament that with the concerted efforts and support of all the operating units of the department, we can always improve toward the better delivery of services to our farmers and other relevant clienteles,” RED Collado added.

Aside from bestowing said honor to performing RFOs, the recognition was also extended to top-performing attached bureaus and agencies of DA throughout the country. # (JLO/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 launches MIADP designed for inclusive agricultural development in Northern Mindanao.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To signify its commitment toward the inclusive development of the region’s agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) formally launched the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) in Northern Mindanao, on March 11, in this city.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director and MIADP 10 Regional Project Director Carlene C. Collado, the newly launched project is set to implement support programs for organized farmer and fisherfolk groups that address weak market linkages and insufficient agricultural infrastructure in geographically isolated ancestral domains, which have been identified as key factors to the poverty experienced by indigenous peoples (IPs) in said areas.

DA as the lead implementing agency is joined by partner national government agencies (NGAs) and agricultural stakeholders from the provincial, and municipal local government units (LGUs) to enhance productivity, strengthen market access, and champion sustainable development and self-sufficiency among IPs, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction, the director added.

These NGAs include the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Philippine Army (PA).

Also serving as members of the Regional Project Advisory Board are the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, and the Municipal governments of Impasug-ong and Malitbog.

On the other hand, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized that convergence, collaboration, and cooperation of the DA and its stakeholders is imperative to the success of the project.

With a total project cost of P6.625 billion, with funding from the World Bank, MIADP 10 Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas said that the project will run for six years, from 2023 until 2028, and covers selected ancestral domains in Mindanao.

He added that in region 10, MIADP’s pilot coverage area includes two ADs in Bukidnon, namely: AD Kalawanan 1 and 2 in San Luis, Malitbog spanning a total 20,083.18 hectares, and AD Bukidnon Tagoloanon in Sitio Kibuwa, Impalutao, Impasugong with a total 2,952.5138 hectares.

Further, Rudinas bared MIADP’s five program components and their corresponding key activities for capacity development and provision of technical support; provision of climate-proofed agri-fisheries infrastructure; production and enterprise development; project management support, monitoring, and evaluation; and contingent emergency response.

Underscoring the launch as a milestone for agricultural development in Northern Mindanao, MIADP Project Director Abel James I. Monteagudo expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders present for the support shown for the activity.

Culminating said activity, partner government agencies and local government units declared their respective offices’ commitment and support for the project through the signing of the Pledge of Commitment.# (GDA)

MisOr farmers attend a training on Oyster mushroom production to consider such as an additional source of income.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado recently conducted a training on Oyster mushroom production for Misamis Oriental farmers, held at the Research Center for Hillyland Development in barangay Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Forty-five participants attended the said training, spearheaded by the DA-10 Gender and Development (GAD) program headed by its focal person, Berna Rhoda P. Barnido, which aims to consider mushroom cultivation as an additional source of income.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the event encourages growers in a community to get involved in mushroom farming, equipping them with the skills needed to start their mushroom farms, and imparting the nutritional and health benefits in the consumption of mushrooms.

RCHD Senior Science Research Specialist May Shell E. Tumilap provided an overview of the different kinds of mushrooms, and their suitability for cultivation and introduced various sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in mushroom production.

Compared to growing other crops, Barnido added that growing mushrooms requires less energy, water and land, as they can easily be produced and harvested several times a year with a short growth cycle.

Following said training, the same activity is slated to be conducted at the DA-10’s Research for Upland Development on March 13, this year.#(MPMT/Photos supplied)

DA-10, FICCO and LGU Talakag eyes for the conduct of a MOA signing for implementation of said town’s food terminal operation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Ahead of the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the operation of the regional food terminal in Talakag, Bukidnon, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), together with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Talakag and the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) met on Tuesday, March 12, to tackle priority plans and directives for the said undertaking.

The regional food terminal is a P14 million state-of-the-art facility which includes cold storage and refrigerated van.

The facility is anticipated to reduce middlemen’s participation in the value chain by providing direct linkage between the consumers and farmer-producers.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the agency is hoping to proceed with the MOA signing as soon as possible so that the terminal can fully operate, and help farmers generate more income by providing them ready market for their produce while helping them extend their products’ shelf life.

He added that the regional food terminal will also provide fresh, affordable, and quality products to the consumers.

The MOA signing was tentatively scheduled within March this year, to be held in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon where the facility is located.

Similarly, a Management Contract signing will also be held simultaneously for the P20-M monolithic dome-type cold storage and packing in Cagayan de Oro City.

FICCO was identified by the LGU as a partner in managing and operating the said facilities.

This is also in line with FICCO’s goal to expand their business through Agri-ventures.

Also present in the meeting are LGU Talakag Municipal Administrator Alberto Bigcas, FICCO Social Enterprise Consultant Apollo Pacamalan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga along with DA-10 staff. # (CRS)

Agri-10 headed by RED Collado manifests to support the Nutrition Council’s G4 initiatives.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure improved nutrition outcomes and achieve food security in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado committed its support to the National Nutrition Council-10 (NNC-10) for their search for the best Garden of Go, Grow, and Glow (G4) initiatives on March 11 at the agency compound.

The NNC-10 will conduct a regionwide search for outstanding G4 implementers in support of RDC-X Resolution No. 7, series of 2018 entitled “Supporting the Revival of the G4 Initiative,” which will be implemented by the Local Government Units (LGUs) involving household-level gardens.

Leading the team from NNC-10 is Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, who expressed the council’s intent to the agri officials for the availment of possible support toward the implementation of said competition.

As the council’s partner agency toward nutritional advocacy for Filipinos, Dir. Collado commited to provide NNC-10 with some garden tools, seeds, seedling trays, plastic crates, plastic drums, and organic fertilizers for the activity.

“The initiative supports the region’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, as well as to promote sustainable agriculture, ensure healthy lives, and promote well-being for all at all ages,” Fernandez conveyed.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga suggested that the initiative be carried out in a 100-square-meter area, where varieties of vegetables will be showcased using different farming technologies within household premises.

Likewise, she pinned her hopes for the success of the activity that will serve as a platform for learning and personal growth, with people of all ages gaining new knowledge and skills about gardening and sustainable practices.

The G4 initiative is a banner project of the Regional Nutrition Committee-X in July 2005 and is fully supported by the Regional Development Council-X through Resolution No. 33, series of 2005 as a practical strategy for food security to counter malnutrition and improve nutrition status.

Present during the meeting are HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan and Regional Nutrition focal person Reggie T. Vivas of DA-10, and Sheena Marie T. Abellanosa, Nutrition Officer III from NNC-10.# (RDME)

DA-10 through AMIA hosts a training to equip farmers with knowledge and skills to navigate and adapt to climate change.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to promote sustainable agriculture and mitigate the impacts of climate change, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) recently conducted a four-day Training on Climate Change Information Service, Crops and Livestock Management, Financial Management and Partnership Building, held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan here.

Aimed at equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and adapt to the changing climate, a total of 35 local farmers from the AMIA Village of Balubal Integrated Social Forestry Farmers’ Association, Inc. (BISFFA) in Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City participated the said event.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the activity also aims to create a deeper understanding among farmers on the aspiration of the government to improve the integration of agriculture development and climate responsiveness, while in the pursuit of achieving food security amid rapid climate change and increasing food demand in the country.

Among the topics discussed include Climate Information Service, soil sampling, crops (cassava, cacao, coffee and corn) and livestock production, pest and diseases management, livestock and pasture management, farm record keeping, business planning, entrepreneurship and financial management.

NMACLRC chief and AMIA focal person Carmelito R. Lapoot commended the participants’ dedication in creating positive impacts in their communities and encouraged them to be climate-resilient leaders in the field of agriculture in their locality amidst the challenges of climate change.

Meanwhile, BISFFA head Crispin M. Bactong expressed his gratitude for the training, saying “Akong gi-ampo nga hinaot pa nga kining gitisok nga liso sa atong mga ahensya sa gobyerno, kita nga naa dinhi, kita ang gitagaan ani nga seeds, atong itisok ug isabwag sa atong mga kauban nga farmers ilabina ang mga young farmers karon, kay ang farmers ang gahatag og pagkaon diri sa ato sa Pilipinas.”

It can be recalled that BISFFA is a recipient of DA-AMIA interventions such as Multi-Commodity Drying Facility (2 units), breeding cattle (10 heads), ready-to-lay chicken as well as corn seeds and fertilizers.# (AMBM with reports from DA-AMIA 10/Photos supplied: DA-AMIA 10)

Agri-10 receives Kalambuan award as development partner agency in public service

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado has been honored as a Kalambuan awardee by its development partner agency in public service.

On March 12, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD-X) recognized the agency for supporting the former’s delivery of programs and services to its clients and partners, especially those in need across Region 10 during its 73rd Founding Anniversary celebration.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga received the plaque of recognition from DSWD-X, citing the agri department’s efforts in contributing to the upliftment in the lives of different communities through the provision of rural infrastructure and facilities, offering development capacity support and technical initiatives, among others.

Honoring several organizations and individuals coming from the public and private sectors, DSWD-X highlighted the invaluable contributions of each toward the implementation of their various welfare programs and initiatives, further noting that communication, collaboration, and coordination are keys to creating and sustaining positive impact for the region.

Under its umbrella, DA-10’s attached bureaus, agencies and corporations have also been accorded the same award.
This includes the National Irrigation Administration-10, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X, Philippine Coconut Authority – 10, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources -10, National Dairy Authority – NorMin Department and the Philippine Carabao Center.# (JLO/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 through AMIA with BAR spearheads a training-workshop on iFARM.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), in collaboration with the Bureau of Agricultural Research-iFARM recently conducted a two-day training workshop on the Integrated Farm Attribution for Risk and Resources Monitoring and Management (iFARM) at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan here.

The activity was held in partnership with the local governments of Malaybalay City and the province of Bukidnon, barangay officials and corn farmer representatives from barangays Managok, San Jose, and Can-ayan, in said locality.

The iFARM information system is designed to enhance the agriculture sector’s capabilities in data collection and information management through the provision of comprehensive, timely, and up-to-date information to facilitate efficient and informed decision-making.

“Importantly, the system aims to expedite the delivery of agricultural interventions to improve crop production and resource management on farms,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado underscored.

Serving as the resource speakers for the training workshop is Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture – 10 (AMIA-10) project leader Joel J. Gabo and some BAR-iFARM representatives from the Central Office, discussing a range of topics from the dashboard and analytics features, damage and losses component of iFARM, iFARM system verification for corn production areas, and decision support tools for data analysis.

Ensuing the lectures, a site validation was conducted in some of the project sites in barangays Canayan and San Jose, as the visit forms part of ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the iFARM system in actual field conditions.
Overall, the training participants were apprised on how to digitalize data gathering and monitoring, especially on how to maximize the use of the iFARM system, leveraging it for improved agricultural planning and management.

“Not only that the iFARM info system help accelerate the flow of information for policymaking and planning, but it also marks a significant step toward the advancement of digital agriculture in the region,” RED Collado added.

Further, the event is also aligned with the DA secretary’s three-year plan dubbed “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” which targets to drum up mechanizing and modernizing the agriculture and fishery sector.# (AMIA)