Agri-10 provides veggie seeds and garden tools to Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To foster sustainable agriculture through community-based gardening, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over some vegetable seeds and garden tools to the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental, on January 23 at the agency compound.

DA-RFO 10 through Joel S. Rudinas, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project deputy director and Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, Agriculturist II of the High Value Crops Development Program, handed over six packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet seeds, 8 light hoes, 8 shovels, 8 sprinklers, 50 plastic seedling tray, and 8 weeding bolos to Evangelina B. Blaya, Field Extension Worker of MAO Don Victoriano.

According to Blaya, said intervention is intended for their identified schools, namely: Don Victoriano Central Elementary School and Petianan Integrated School.

“Ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa DA-10 kung saan ang aming mga kahilingan tulad ng mga kagamitan sa hardin at mga seeds ay natugunan. Malaking bagay po ito para sa aming lugar lalo na sa mga paaralan at komunidad, dahil ito ay nagbibigay-daan sa kanila na magtanim ng mga pananim at matiyak ang isang kasaganaan ng masustansyang pagkain,” Blaya said.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the provision of seeds and garden tools is a holistic approach of the agency that enhances agricultural productivity, and at the same time educational, environmental, and personal development among communities.# (RDME)

DA-PRDP through RPCO 10 hosts the IBUILD Component Technical Workshop and Year-End Assessment in Camiguin province to assess the component’s progress on its project implementation.

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – To assess the component’s progress on its project implementation and to set targets for the year 2024, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), through the Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10), conducted an IBUILD Component Technical Workshop and Year-End Assessment for the year 2023 on January 23-26, in this municipality.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado welcomed the participants in the province, being the first time of the RPCO 10 to host a national IBUILD event.

“We are privileged to be your host, for this event is crucial in determining our success in the previous year that will serve as our benchmark in setting our targets for calendar year 2024, to reach more farmers in our country,” Director Collado added.

Engr. Ariodear C. Rico, National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) IBUILD component head, stressed that the activity will focus on the assessment and evaluation of the physical and financial performances of the IBUILD component at all levels.

He added to come up with a “Status of Activities” at the NPCO, PSO, and RPCO levels containing the targets, timelines, and strategies to focus on and achieve the targets.

“With a total of 603 approved subprojects amounting to Php 41.88 billion, there is a need to assess its impact in relation to the PRDP Development Objective such as reduction to transport cost, reduction in travel time, increased intensity of cropping in areas with PRDP intervention, among others,” Director Rico stressed.

Further, agreed actions tackled during the 16th World Bank in Support Mission were also discussed by NPCO IBUILD Alternate component head, Engr. Roy M. Abaya.

It also includes the reorientation of all implementing units on contract management, among others.

PSO IBUILD heads presented issues and concerns encountered in project implementation and was given solution during the activity.

Gracing the activity is Camiguin Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and the Vice-chair of the Committee on Agriculture Peter Dann F. Romualdo, Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) Assistant Director Juana T. Tapel, Camiguin Provincial Agriculturist Aida G. Chan, heads of the IBUILDs in PSOs and RPCOs in the country and the RPCO 10 consultants. # (MIACA/CRS)

DA-NTA unveils a five-year roadmap for STEP during the first ever Mindanao Tobacco Industry Summit, held in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – To lay down a fresh perspective for Mindanao’s tobacco industry, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) unveiled a five-year roadmap for the Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP) during the first Mindanao Tobacco Industry Summit, Thursday, January 25, in this city.

Tobacco industry key players, particularly tobacco farmers and local government executives from tobacco-producing provinces in Mindanao such as Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Zamboanga Sibugay, Maguindanao del Sur, North Cotabato and Agusan del Sur, attended the summit for a multilateral dialogue in mobilizing Mindanao’s Tobacco Industry Development Plan.

DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano said the summit is a significant event to tackle strategic national initiatives for the expansion of native tobacco production in the southern part of the country.

As a potential export commodity, he stressed the viability of native tobacco in contributing to the country’s revenue and foreign exchange earnings, support to the local economy and in sustaining tobacco farmers’ livelihood.

Under the STEP, NTA is set to rev up Mindanao’s tobacco industry by closely working with LGUs to strengthen and expand the existing tobacco areas, aiming for sustainability of the industry.

Within a five-year period, NTA will implement projects such as irrigation and water management, provision of farm machinery, value-added processing and marketing assistance, credit and financing, training and capacity building for tobacco farmers as part of Mindanao’s tobacco industry development plan.

Based on NTA’s data, Mindanao accounted for 7.5 million kilograms of tobacco produced in the country in 2023, which sold for an average price of P379 per kilogram.

The record also showed that the industry has been providing livelihood to at least 2.1 million Filipinos.

In 2022, the tobacco industry is among the main contributors to government revenue with P160 billion in excise tax collection.

In the same year, around P74 billion worth of fund derived from tobacco excise tax was earmarked for the government’s universal health care program.

Recognizing the challenges in the tobacco industry, DA Undersecretary for BARMM, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan urges for a forward-thinking strategy to sustain the industry.

He pushed for collaboration between government bodies and the business sector, while involving the farmers in the discussion.

NTA administrator Belinda S. Sanchez and other NTA key officials, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and local chief executives of tobacco-producing towns and provinces also graced the said event.# (ATT)

DA-PRDP breaks ground for the construction of a facility for Damulog town

Successive groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) for two IREAP subprojects (SPs) in the municipalities of Damulog and Pangantucan, Bukidnon on January 15.

The ceremonies marked the start of the construction of the facilities for the Crumb Rubber Processing Facility of Migcawayan Tribal Agriculture Cooperative (MTAC) in Damulog, Bukidnon worth P 80,971,551.00 and the Coffee Processing Facility of Bayanihan Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative (BMPC) in Pangantucan, Bukidnon worth P36,399,247.44.

DA-10 Regional Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado expressed his joy in witnessing the two activities in a day.

He challenged the LGUs, the cooperatives and the contractors to work hand in hand for a faster project implementation, following the timeline.

“Our line is open for clarifications, concerns, and even for assistance. May the LGUs, take this as an opportunity for the start of the progress of your municipalities. For the cooperatives, we hope that you will continue your harmonious relationship and cooperation with your coop with the guidance, support and leadership of your mayor,” Director Collado shared.

He further stressed that the coop officers should be watchful with their members and should be transparent in their financial activities.

Importantly, he reminded the contractors to see to it that timelines and targets are met which can be achieved in working together.

“If this project will be successful, more cooperatives will follow suit, and look up to you as a model,” Collado added.

Meanwhile, Damulog Mayor Melino L. Buro is ecstatic that the crumb rubber facility will be a legacy for the municipality and the province of Bukidnon.

“I am so grateful for this project because this will be a legacy for Damulog. I also commend MTAC for pursuing the start of this project. We hope for more future engagements with DA-10, because we aim for the development of the municipality.” Mayor Buro said.
Pangantucan Mayor Miguel A. Silva also challenged his fellow colleagues, the BMPC, and the contractor to complete the SP within the year.

“Let us go hand in hand not only for today, but every day. Let’s share these blessing to the farmers that may this project become one of the reasons to entice more farmers to venture into coffee farming,” Mayor Silva said.

The two SPs are funded under Additional Financing 2 and the European Union and are expected to finish construction within 2024.# (MIACA)

DA-PRDP 10 spearheads the conduct of a pre-con for the execution of IREAP subprojects.

To level off with all of the stakeholders with implementing rules and regulations of the project, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducts a preconstruction conference for two IREAP subprojects (SPs) in Bukidnon on January 16.

These SPs include the Crumb Rubber Processing Facility of the Migcawayan Tribal Agriculture Cooperative (MTAC) in Damulog, Bukidnon worth Php 80,971,551.00 and the Coffee Processing Facility of the Bayanihan Millenium Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BMMPC) of Pangantucan, Bukidnon worth Php 36,399,247.44, both of which are funded under the Additional Financing 2 and the European Union (AF2-EU).

The DA-PRDP 10 team oriented the stakeholders as to the requirements of the different components and units for the SP implementation.

Through this, the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders will be established and this will fast-track the implementation and meet the scheduled physical and financial accomplishment for the subprojects.

DA-10 Regional Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado, encouraged the stakeholders’ full commitment for a smooth SP implementation.

“I ask the concerned Local Government Units, the proponent groups, and the contractors for your full cooperation to achieve faster completion of your respective [sub]projects within the year,” Director Collado said.

Also present at the said conference are the representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office Bukidnon, contractors, the representatives of the PGs, and staff of DA-PRDP 10.# (MIACA)

BJMP pays a visit to DA-10 as they target to implement agri-related projects for PDLs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the tutelage of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado was visited by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) led by Jail Chief Inspector Jeza Mae Sarah C. Sanchez on January 16, as the latter eyes to implement pilot agri-related projects for PDLs.

Together with Jail Chief Inspector Sanchez were Jail Officer II Marie Ann Candie T. Andoy and Jail Officer I Menorah Rose D. Contayoso, who have discussed with RED Collado their initial plans for the availment of seedlings and free-range poultry that would mainly benefit the persons deprived of liberty (PDL).

Accordingly, the agri chief exec laid out the different programs and projects of the agency such as the provision of farm animals, planting materials, farm machinery, equipment and facilities, infrastructure and market development support, among others.

Dir. Collado further urged them to identify the priority need of PDLs and to draft a project proposal, underscoring that their request will, later on, be validated for DA-10 and its attached agencies to come up with appropriate interventions.# (TJL)

DA-10 supports LGU Catarman for its urban agriculture and small=scale veggie production initiatives.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds and garden tools to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Catarman, Camiguin on January 18, at the agency compound.

This, in support of the LGU’s ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan’ program that aims to engage elementary students and teachers in urban agriculture through small-scale, school-based vegetable production.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan handed over assorted (Pinakbet) vegetable seeds and garden tools such as light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo to LGU-Catarman Municipal Agriculturist Joseph F. Navales.

According to Navales, the provisions will benefit two select schools in the municipality, namely: Alga Elementary School and Tangaro Elementary School, both of which were adopted by the LGU in 2020 as pilot schools for the urban agri program.

“We saw the great impact of the program, including the students from both schools. It is our goal to inculcate in their minds the great benefit of small-scale urban agriculture, especially in addressing food security,” Navales said.

He added that the assistance received from DA-10 is eyed to increase the current production and success of the gardening setups of both schools.# (GDA)

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)