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)

Agri-10 launches upland hybrid rice demo farms in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further boost Northern Mindanao’s rice production capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado formally launched its first hybrid upland rice production technology demonstration farm in Bukidnon province.

Together with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture Office and Seedwork Philippines, DA-10 recently held its inaugural planting of the three-hectare upland rice production technology trial demo farm in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, in Malaybalay City.

The project is designed to undergo a trial phase before full-scale implementation of the eyed 300-hectare demonstration farm, to give way for production technology fine-tuning and area compatibility assessment.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca said the project is pivotal to the DA’s goal to increase the region’s rice sufficiency by utilizing upland production areas.

Using an area modeling approach, the project will optimize the potential and opportunities in developing the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as an upland rice production area in the region.

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project provides the base for future agricultural development.

He said by employing an area-based development system, this undertaking can spin out to other commodities in the value chain and integrate other agricultural livelihood activities that can significantly address poverty situations among the IP communities.

Using Seedworks Philippines’ TH-82 hybrid rice production technology, the upland rice demo farm is set to be fully established during the 2024 wet cropping season.

Also in attendance during the hybrid upland rice technology demo farm launching ceremony are Atty. Burt M. Estrada, BUKTAMACO General Manager, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Richard B. Leono, Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief, Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10 Regional Crops Protection Center chief.# (ATT)

IP students in Quezon, Bukidnon receive veggie seeds to boost food and nutrition security in the town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The ROTA Philippines Inc. on Thursday, February 1 received from the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 several packets of vegetable seeds and garden tools intended for the high school students of Sulads Comprehensive High School for the Lumads in Sto. Domingo, Quezon, Bukidnon.

During the turnover, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the department’s provision of vegetable seeds ensures food security in schools and communities aside from assuring available, accessible and affordable food in the locality.

DA-10 through its High Value Crops Development Program also provided garden tools which include a light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo.

William Bill C. Semorlan II, Executive Director of Rota Phils. Inc. said, their effort in starting a community garden project will commence on February 2-4 in the said school to promote sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and healthy living.

“Around 230 IP students coming from different areas in Mindanao who study in Sulads CHS will profit from the project,” Semorlan added.

He shared that the community garden will not only provide fresh and locally grown produce but will also foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among residents.

He emphasized that through DA’s support, ROTA will be making a positive impact in the community.

Supporting the activity is Richan Lacanaria, Senior Agriculturist and corn program focal person of the Field Operations Division of DA-10.#(ATC)

DA, DAR  strengthen EO 75 implementation in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10) Regional Director Zoraida O. Macadindang, Al Hadj, JD with its officials paid a courtesy visit to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in his office, here in Cagayan de Oro City, today, January 30.

The officials discussed solidifying its partnership in the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 75, series of 2019 through a DAR-DA joint administrative order No. 8, series of 2021.

The guidelines determine the suitability for agricultural purposes of government-owned lands (GOLs) under EO 75.

Director Collado emphasized boosting the region’s agriculture industry and strengthening the food supply, including the production areas of livestock.

Joining them were Atty. Alberto R. Lagamon, Jr., DAR-10 Assistant Regional Director Engr. Norberto R. Paquingan, DM with PARPO II Jammal G. Pangandaman, MARPO Engr. Jocelyn Valmores and PARPO I Maybelle Alcala.#(ATC)