R-10’s agri dept hosts the review and finalization of FY 2022 activities and budget proposal of the Mindanao cluster for NLP on March 15-17, 2021 at the agency’s research station, NMACLRC. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) hosted the review and finalization of FY 2022 activities and budget proposal of the Mindanao cluster for the National Livestock Program (NLP) on March 15-17, 2021.

Held at the agency’s research station, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, said activity was participated in by the island-region cluster members which include regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 purposely for the delivery of a more strengthened livestock and poultry development programs and its seamless implementation.

At the helm of being the host region, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado lauded the efforts of the agri regional offices in Mindanao in helping stabilize the food supply and prices in Luzon and Visayas, as the need arises.

A workshop was conducted for projects budget allocation, services and interventions, including the refining of proposals which are overall aligned with NLP’s vision for a meat, egg and milk-secure Philippines anchored on a vibrant, robust and globally competitive livestock and poultry industry and prosperous farmers.

From DA-Central Office, the team was led by NLP Senior Technical and Planning Officer Jonathan V. Sabiniano, DVM. # (JCAnito)

RCI-SRD launches the CADP for the Mt. Balatukan Cluster to provide a framework for its advancement.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To provide framework for the advancement of the Mt. Balatukan cluster, the Regional Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (RCI-SRD) launched the Mt. Balatukan Range Cluster Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP) on March 11, 2021 at Lunotan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

The CI team with the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the lead convenor, together with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) prepared the CADP with an aim to have an improved ecological integrity and prosperity, intensified eco-tourism and agro-forestry development, and strengthened communities within the cluster.

With the development plan, Claveria Mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar expressed her hopes to resolve issues on illegal land conversion with establishments sprouting in their town due to booming tourism.

She also extended her gratitude to the cluster towns who worked for the protection, preservation, and prosperity of the environment of the province.

Meanwhile, DAR Secretary, Atty. John R. Castriciones committed to work hand-in-hand with the local governments and all the other agencies to protect the Balatukan Range.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano is hopeful that the CADP will lead to utilizing the available resources properly which will greatly benefit the people in the province.

“I hope that with the synergy that we are doing, we will be able to advance what our people need and we will be able to protect the future of the next generation as we protect the last frontier which is the Mt. Balatukan. We have to work together if we want to see a better future for Misamis Oriental,” Gov. Emano added.

DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and the lead convenor of NCI-SRD, Atty. Waldo R. Carpio said, in a message delivered by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the agri department together with the other agencies, is committed to strengthen regional efforts and enable the environment to accelerate the implementation of the Mt. Balatukan Range CADP to achieve its goals.

“The CI emphasizes to end poverty and hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Further, to take action to combat climate change and its impact, and for the conservation and sustainability of our resources aside from its protection and restoration.”

He emphasized, the goal of the RCI can’t be achieved without the support from the LGUs and other stakeholders.

“Together, let us build a stronger platform in helping us in making a progress for the Mt. Balatukan Range cluster,” he concluded.

Constituting the cluster are the towns of Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, Claveria, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Magsaysay, Medina, Salay, Sugboncogon, Talisayan and Gingoog City, all from the province of Misamis Oriental. # (CSeraspe)

In support to EO 70, the agri dept in NorMin turns over prod’n and marketing assistance amounting to more than P3.4-M to FRs in Bukidnon. 

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – In support to the whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 turned over production and marketing assistance worth over P3.4 million to former rebels in Bukidnon.

On Thursday, March 4, DA NorMin distributed over 900 packets of assorted vegetable seeds (P117,000) in three variants: pinakbet, chopsuey, and sinigang, and 520 mushroom fruiting bags (P31,200).

The agency signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy for the P2 million financial grant under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

Similarly, a certificate of allocation worth P1.3 million was also handed to the 403rd Infantry Brigade (IB) to provide training, logistics and agricultural equipment for Adlay production and marketing in support to former rebels.

“DA’s assistance will greatly help farmers, especially those in far-flung barangays. These interventions would greatly help in boosting their production and increasing their income; thereby also improving their standard of living,” shared 403rd IB Commander BGEN Ferdinand T Barandon, PA.

It can be recalled that an Adlay ceremonial harvest was held in December, last year at the Peacemaker Farm of the 403rd IB, Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon which is maintained by former rebels.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, OIC-Chief Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Larry E. Paraluman stated, said initiative aims to bring the government closer to the people.

He also encouraged participants to send in their letter of intent for their proposed livelihood projects. Participating were around 900 beneficiaries from the towns of Maramag, Kibawe, Damulog, Kitaotao, Quezon, Manolo Fortich, Lantapan, Pangantucan and Malaybalay City.

Apart from DA, the Office of Senator Lawrence T. Go and other government agencies such as the Philippine Army, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also provided their respective interventions to participants. # (AMBManto)

The gov’t eyes to foment the agri-sector in MisOr with the P47-M worth of agri-machineries, equipment and other interventions to FCAs, LGUs and an academic institution.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in Northern Mindanao entrusted over P47 million worth of agri-machineries, equipment and other interventions to farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) of Misamis Oriental.

Leading the turnover ceremony was DA-Regional Field Office 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Engr. Ian D. Madjus of DA-PhilMech, of which project grants were then received thru the Provincial LGU of MisOr headed by Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, FCA presidents, LGU municipal agriculturists, engineers and representatives.

Held at the MisOr Provincial Agriculture Development Complex on March 4, the roster of interventions primarily handed over were packages of farm machineries and equipment, comprising of 6 units four-wheel drive tractor, 2 units hand tractor, 26 units floating tiller, 2 units walk-behind transplanter, 13 units rice reaper, 3 units combine harvester, 22 units rice thresher and 9 units mobile rice mill.

Amounting to P29.46 million sourced from its CY 2019 and 2020 funds, DA-PhilMech distributed the agri-machineries and equipment to five FCAs and three LGUs.

Recipients include the Mandangoa Farmer’s Association, Inc., Talusan Organic FA and KINAMALOMAN Farmer Irrigators Association, Inc. (FIAI) of Balingasag; Kasingpitan Santiago FIAI and Barangay 20 Farmer’s Association of Gingoog City; and LGUs Alubijid, Claveria and Magsaysay.

According to Dir. Collado, said beneficiaries have qualified in the availment of project grants, as they are viable farmer-organizations accredited by DA having at least 50 hectares total rice area, among other technical requirements.

For those FCAs whose aggregate rice farms will not meet said conditions, however, the agri executive pinned his hopes saying: “One option is to consolidate, and we can ask DA-PhilMech to provide [the package of farm machineries and equipment] through the province, para ang probinsya na mismo ang magsisilbing service provider for other farm-organizations not accredited or qualified under the attached agency’s criteria.”

“Within the six year-duration, we are assured that lahat ng mga rice farmer mabigyan ng rice assistance,” RED Collado added.

The cited period refers to the implementation of the P10 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund portfolio, ushered by the Rice Tariffication Law from 2019-2024.

Accorded with an annual budget of P5 billion, rice mechanization is aimed at improving farmers’ income, yield and ability to compete globally through the access and use of appropriate mechanization technologies from planting to postharvest.

Based on DA-PhilMech data, farmer-beneficiaries can expect to reduce their cost of rice production by P2-3 per kilogram and minimize postharvest losses by 3-5%.

“Ituring ninyo na kayo ang nagmamay-ari [ng mga makinaryang pansaka] dahil bigay yan ng gobyerno sa inyo thru President Duterte. Sa tulong na naibigay na sa inyo, umaasa kami na maging matagumpay kayo sa pamamahala nito nang sa gayun ay kumita kayo at dagdag ninyong mabibili ang mga kagamitang pansaka na gusto ninyo,” the director appealed.

Corroborating the aggie department head’s statement, MisOr Provincial Governor Emano said: “Napaka importante na may pondo kayo sa kooperatiba [o asosasyon] ninyo nang sa gayun meron kayong magagamit para sa pagpapaayos [sa mga kagamitang pansaka].”

On behalf of the benefitting FCAs, Arnel M. Continedo, KINAMALOMAN FIAI president, expressed his message of gratitude for the government’s assistance from the municipal, provincial up to the regional agri offices, including DA-PhilMech.

“Malaki ang maitutulong nito na mabawasan ang aming gastusin [sa pagtatrabaho] sa aming palayan at gawa nito, madadagdagan pa ang aming kita. Ipapagamit din namin ito sa iba pang mga magsasaka [maliban sa mga miyembro ng asosasyon] nga hindi kalakihan ang bayarin nang sa gayun ay matulungan din namin sila.”

Completing the list of assistance to foment agri-development in MisOr, DA-10 has likewise poured out various interventions amounting to P18 million to 19 LGUs, 5 farmer-groups and 1 academic institution. # (JLO/Photo credits: JCAnito)

The aggie dept in R-10 delivers 53 heads of upgraded cattle to Sugbongcogon, MisOr thru its CFFP of DA-Nat’l. Livestock Program. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) delivered 53 heads of upgraded cattle to the local government unit (LGU) of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental to increase its local beef production in contributing to beef accessibility and affordability.

Said delivery on March 2, is part of the total 100 heads amounting to P5 million  under the Cattle Feedlot Fattening Project (CFFP) of DA-National Livestock Program, which is funded under the Bayanihan Act II.

Of the total amount, P3.5 million is the allocation for the cattle and P100k is for the drugs and biologics.

The remaining P1.4 million will be fund transferred to LGU Sugbongcogon for the procurement of cattle feeds and other miscellaneous expenses.

For sustainability of the project, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado encouraged the Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Sugbongcogon to adopt the dispersal program scheme, wherein the recipients will pass on the heifer offspring (female cattle) to other potential farmer-beneficiaries in said town.

According to Maria Lourdes M. Sypiecco, Livestock Program coordinator of DA-RFO 10 said, “CFFP intensifies cattle feedlot farming among smallhold farmers, maximizing the use of abundant farm by-products in the rural areas.”

Large ruminants were distributed among select farmers listed under the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) from barangays Ampianga (14 heads), Kidampas (16), Kaulayanan (20) and Mimbuahan (3).

MAO Johnny G. Sumaylo of Sugbongcogon shared, the town has over 1,000 RSBSA listed farmers. With the cattle dispersal program, more farmers will be given an opportunity to raise cattle as a livelihood  both for beef and dairy production and to serve as draft animals.

One of the first batch of recipients of Brgy. Kaulayanan is Cristina E. Aragua, a member of Barangay Kaulayanan Sugbongcogon Farmer’s Association, who also acts as the chair of the Kaulayanan women’s group.

“Dako kining ikadugang sa income ang gihataga nga baka sa DA. Pinaagi niini, akong matabangan ang akong mga apo sa paghuman sa pag-eskwela. Ako kining alimahan og maayo aron mas daghan pa ang makabenepisyo niini,” she imparted.

[DA’s cattle dispersal program can augment my income. With this, I can also help my grandchildren go to school. I will properly take care the provided cattle, so that more farmers can benefit from it.]

Aside from Sugbongcogon, three other towns from the provinces of Bukidnon (Kibawe) and Misamis Occidental (Lopez Jaena and Baliangao) have received the partial deliveries of cattle under CFFP last February, of this year.# (EMBentulan)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aiming to update the local governments on the services of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), the agency hosted an online training to further educate its extension arms in the different provinces of Northern Mindanao.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research and Regulations, Carmelita T. Bajarla remarked, the activity is necessary to equip LGU frontliners in disseminating modern ways of soil sampling at the grassroots level.

“It is favorable to study the soil fertility status of farmlands to determine the fertilizer requirement of the crops planted. With this, farmers will know the right kind and amount of nutrients that plants need. Ultimately, they can reap gains thru higher yield from their produce,” RTD Bajarla added.

The training highlighted on soil sampling techniques thru DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Senior Agriculturist Noemi M. Pascual, in that, about a kilogram of soil will serve as a representative of a large area.

Pascual taught them the proper method of getting soil samples, according to the type of crops planted by farmers.

For shallow rooted crops like vegetables, soil sample must be taken 0-12 inches below from the surface; while for deep rooted crops like fruit trees, soil sample must be taken 0-20 inches below, where plants’ roots are able to absorb enough nutrients from the soil.

Said activity also versed the participants on the processes of Soil Test Kits (STKs) and Trichoderma harzianum production.

The STK is a complete package of soil testing for the analysis of soil acidity, and Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content.

It comes in a small handy bag that contains chemical reagents, procedure and color charts; tables of recommendation for various crops; and procedure for proper soil sampling technique.

On the other hand, Trichoderma is a compost fungus activator that is used for rapid composting of organic materials.

Its entire production covers two weeks from media preparation up to its mature state for distribution.

Meanwhile, the department’s RSL Chief Engr. Elena C. Susaya detailed the services offered by DA-10 such as soil analysis (with fertilizer recommendation), fertilizer analysis, refill and production of STK and Trichoderma production and distribution can also be availed for free, provided that they have an endorsement from their respective LGUs while walk-in clients may avail at a minimal fee.

Also attending the online training was DA-RFO 10 Integrated Laboratory Division Chief Ma. Teresa B. Roa, where she extended her gratitude to the participating LGUs for joining said activity and continuously supporting and helping the agri department to reach out the farmers, especially in the far flung communities.# (EMBentulan)

The RCI-TWG of NorMin convenes for the preparation of the upcoming launching of the approved Mt. Balatukan CADP.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with the preparation for the upcoming launching of the approved Mt. Balatukan Cluster Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP), the Regional Convergence Initiative – Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG) of Northern Mindanao convened in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.

The approved Mt. Balatukan CADP, which is set to be launched on March 11, 2021 in Lunotan, Gingoog City, will serve as the framework for the attainment of responsible eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and balanced eco-system of the Balatukan cluster.

Said activity will be participated by the local governments under the Mt. Balatukan cluster, covering the municipalities of Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, Claveria, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Magsaysay, Medina, Salay, Sugbongcogon, Talisayan, and Gingoog City, all from the province of Misamis Oriental.

The Convergence Initiative is a strategy to improve, conserve, protect, and rehabilitate natural resources through the development and implementation of environment-friendly enterprises and livelihood opportunities.

Implementing member-agencies of the RCI, namely: Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and DA are expected to complement their expertise and resources in the identified areas following the ridge-to-reef approach.

Present during the said meeting are representatives from DA-10 headed by Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, DAR-10 representative Antonietta de la Rita, DILG-10 representative Jacillo Orongan, and DENR-10 representative Christian Jebulan.# (CSeraspe)

On March 1-2, at least 51 FCAs, 10 LGUs and an academic institution from the 25 towns of Lanao Norte and Mis Occ receive P51.6 agri interventions.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – At least 51 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), 10 LGUs and an academic institution from 25 towns in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental received a total of P51.6 million agricultural aid from the Department of Agriculture Region 10 (DA-10).

The two-day DA-PhilMech joint turnover ceremony sequentially conducted on March 1 and 2, 2021 in the municipalities of Lala, Lanao del Norte and Aloran, Misamis Occidental.

Recipients received a full grant of agri-machineries and equipment, drying facility livestock fattening and multiplier projects, farm inputs such as corn and vegetable seeds and fertilizers.

Funded under the rice, corn, High Value Crops Development, livestock and the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Programs of DA, said assistance is geared towards boosting the provinces’ agricultural production, as part of the government’s recovery effort in its continuing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mindanao State University – Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (MSU-LNAC) Sultan Naga Dimaporo Campus is among the recipients of DA’s assistance.

The institution was granted P5 million worth of Goat Multiplier Project through the DA’s livestock program.

Said project entitled the MSU-LNAC to 40 heads doe, 3 heads buck, goat housing facility, equipment for forage processing, AI equipment and milking machine, drugs and biologics, forage planting materials and feeds, and supplement mixes.

“With this project we aim to share the goat farming technology to the community,” said Dr. Indihra Dimaporo-Tawantawan, MSU-LNAC Superintendent.

“Goat is easy to rear and produces healthier meat. It is halal, so definitely there is large market for goat in Lanao del Norte,” she furthered.

The school executive said goat farming is an added income and dependable fallback for farmers amid this crisis.

In line with the LGUs’ call for sustainable agricultural development, Lanao del Norte Governor, Imelda Q. Dimaporo wishes that her province will continue to prosper through the continued cooperation of DA, LGUs, and the FCAs.

“The government is doing its best to deliver its duties, in helping the farmers. The assistance given to you is important enough for your livelihood. I hope you will put them into good use and care them well,” Governor Dimaporo said.

She also urged farmers to partake in the province’s agenda towards environmental protection as the province strives for sustainable development.

Aside from the P27.3 million assistance from DA-10, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) also grant farming sectors in Lanao del Norte with P93 million worth of agricultural machineries and equipment.

Meanwhile, Governor Philip T. Tan of Misamis Occidental bares his administration’s plan for the establishment of Rice Processing Centers in Misamis Occidental this year in partnership with DA-10 and PhilMech.

He said the facility will be instrumental in addressing low palay buying price in the province, particularly during wet season.

“There were aspects and processes in agriculture that require support from the government. These assistance granted to you will definitely help in your farming. Now it is with you to be diligent,” he said.

“I hope our cooperation and unity will continue. We in the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental will continuously plan for the betterment of our farmers,” Governor Tan furthered, thanking DA-10 as the agency will once again subsidize rice seeds for the rice farmers in the province this year.

The stakeholders in Misamis Occidental received P26.3 million agricultural assistance from DA-10 and another P122.2 million worth of farm machineries and equipment from PhilMech.

Towards Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said that grants by DA and PhilMech are primarily aimed in the upscaling of farmers’ livelihood by modernizing their farming methods.

“As you receive these machineries and equipment, and other interventions, we expect you to utilize them well. These assistance will help you improve not only your production, but your post-production performance, as well,” Collado added.

“Our aim is to increase your income by lowering the production and labor costs. This is consistent with DA’s battle cry – Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita for our farmers,” he said.

He added that each of the 132 accredited FCAs in Lanao del Norte, and 38 accredited FCAs in Misamis Occidental are entitled to a maximum grant of P5.5 million worth of farm machineries and equipment package through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program (RCEP) under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

On his part, the DA Undersecretary for Regulations and Infrastructure, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan urges local leaders and farmers to step up their effort towards food sufficiency.

He said, “So that we can overcome our dependency on import, the overarching objective is for this republic to be food sufficient.”

“Dapat kaya na natin ang ating mga pagkain. Magsisimula po yan sa ating mga barangay,” he said.

He furthered, “Dapat planohin ng mga kapitan ano kaya ang dapat gawin. Pwede kayo magpalay, magmais, magbaboyan, kambingan or bakahan, so that the province will be food sufficient.”

“Salamat sa inyo mga farmers, you are the ones sweating for us to have food. With the RCEP, we hope we can do more, have higher harvest and better income,” he remarked.

Despite the COVID-19 adversities, DA aims to attain 2.5 percent growth rate this year, through its One DA framework.

Central to the framework is an inclusive approach in the implementation of the agency’s key programs, projects and activities, anchored on sustained partnership with the LGUs and the agricultural sectors in the country.#(ATalib)

DA Secretary William D. Dar was sent-off by the DA-NorMin team headed by RED Carlene C. Collado and RTD for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga after his attendance to the Joint National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) and Regional Task Force – ELCAC X Meeting, here in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has handed P1.96 billion for the implementation of various programs and projects for FY 2021 to the five provinces of Region 10.

Of which, P303.88 million was apportioned for infrastructure development which includes 13.94 kilometers farm-to-market road in Damulog town and the 6.47-kms in Valencia City, all of Bukidnon province which will benefit 10,489 beneficiaries per 5,770.61 hectares.

The P897.21 million was allocated for CY 2020 rice competitiveness enhancement fund which will benefit 177 farmer cooperatives and associations and 79,976 farmers regionwide.

Other state officials joining in the agriculture secretary’s party were Silvestro H. Bello III, labor secretary; Delfin N. Lorenzana, defense secretary; and Atty. Salvador Panelo, presidential legal adviser.#(ATCabig)

Twenty-four FCAs of Lanao Norte receive P92.61 M worth of agri-machinery and equipment from DA-PhilMech. Leading the turnover is DA Usec for Infra and Regulations Engr. Ampatuan with DA-PhilMech Director Dr. Jallorin, DA-10 RED Collado and other officials.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) turned over agri-machinery and equipment worth P92.61 million to 24 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in the province of Lanao del Norte on Monday, March 1.

Aimed to increase farmers’ productivity, FCAs from the municipalities of Balo-i, Baroy, Tubod, Maigo, Munai, Sapad, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lala, Kapatagan and Salvador availed various agri machinery and equipment which include four-wheel drive tractor, hand tractor, float-assist tiller, walk-behind and riding-type transplanter, reaper, rice combine, thresher and mobile rice mill.

Of the total amount, P28.91 million is the 60 percent of its CY 2019 budget and its second batch distribution.

While the first batch of CY 2020 has a budget of P56.59 million and P7.61 million for its second batch.

DA Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Regulations, Engr. Zamzamin Ampatuan led the turnover and awarding of certificates to FCA beneficiaries with PhilMech Director Dr. Baldwin G. Jallorina, DA-PhilMech Head Facility Management and Field Operations Division Joel V. Dator, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo with local officials.

Rice mechanization is one of the components of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, which stipulates the creation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) that would be funded from rice tariffs collections, with P10 billion allocation annually from 2019 to 2024 or a period of six years.

Mechanization component of the RCEF aims to improve rice production in the country through mechanization that would reduce production and postharvest losses up to 20 percent and eventually increase production.

Usec. Ampatuan said, with RCEF there will be more harvest and better income for the farmers.

Meanwhile, Director Collado cited, if labor component will be lessened, the income of the farmers will be increased.

“One way of lowering the labor component is through the use of modern technology and agricultural equipment,” he added.

For CY 2021, DA-PhilMech has allocated around P100 million budget for mechanization in Lanao del Norte.

Lanao del Norte being the second rice producing province of Region 10 contributes 24 percent to the regional rice production in 2020.

Romeo B. Roquero, President of the Butadon Solar Drier with Warehouse and Rice Mill Association, Inc. of Kapatagan shared, “Kini nga programa sa gobyerno dako ni ug ikatabang sa among pagpang-uma. Blessed na kaayo kami nga naka received aning makinarya. Ampingan namo kini aron daghan pa maka benepisyo niini.”# (ATCabig)