Agri-10 holds its yearly LGU Coordination meeting with R-10 LGUs to ensure compliance for fund transfers and liquidations of agricultural projects.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In an effort to ensure compliance to existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations for fund transfers and liquidations of agricultural projects granted to Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, hold its annual LGU Coordination Meeting recently at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops Livestock Research Complex, in this city.

Spearheaded by the DA-RFO 10’s accounting section, the coordination meeting is an avenue for bilateral dialogue to address challenges encountered by DA and the LGUs in terms of inventory and liquidation of agri projects funded under the agri department’s banner programs and special projects this year and the preceding years.

Some 207 LGU accountants and agriculturists from the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental attended the meeting.

DA-RFO 10 Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse said the meeting aims for DA and the LGUs to level-off on a mechanism for optimal utilization of DA funds.

He also acknowledged the LGUs’ roles as DA’s partners in extending its services to the peripheries of the agriculture sector to provide sufficient and affordable food for all.

Ways forward for the resolution of identified issues in complying with the reportorial requirements and timelines for the submission thereof were consensually agreed in the meeting, and be adopted as guidelines in accounting and liquidating DA projects granted to the LGUs and their constituents.# (ATTalib)

Newly promoted DA-10 employees take oath of office

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Nine promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently took their oath of office before DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, on August 1, 2023 at the agency compound, in this city.
The newly promoted employees are:

1. Lorena V. Duna – Chief Science Research Specialist
2. Janniver C. Chua, DVM – Supervising Agriculturist
3. Jocelyn M. Ellevera – Senior Science Research Specialist
4. Judith A. Maquiso – Senior Science Research Specialist
5. Mischelle F. Egama – Science Research Specialist II
6. Jess Erick Y. Co – Administrative Officer III
7. Maria Teresa C. Cagas – Science Research Specialist I
8. Eleazar A. Jumalon – Science Research Assistant
9. Larry C. Nagac – Administrative Assistant III

In his message, Collado addressed the promoted employees and challenged them to assume increased responsibilities.

“In the years you have worked with DA, you have shown your commitment to public service, which we hope will be even more strengthened by this new opportunity to serve our farmers, fisherfolk, and the Filipino people. Make good use of your positions so that we may continue to deliver our services and participate in the development of the agency,” RED Collado said.

Supporting the said ceremony were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, members of the agency’s Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, and other DA-10 officials.# (ACPUy)

The Regional Soils Laboratory of Agri-10 undergoes BSWM audit.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) undergoes the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) audit on August 2-4, 2023, in this city.

The Technical Evaluation and Audit Team (TE&AT) of BSWM administered a three-day audit to assess RSL’s soil analysis services.

Key operational areas such as manpower requirements, the physical layout of the laboratory facility, soil laboratory equipment and apparatus, test methods, quality control, and laboratory procedures were evaluated by the BSWM TE&AT as part of the audit.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said the RSL primarily functions to perform laboratory analyses and offers recommendations for the appropriate use of soil, water, plants, fertilizers, and other essential components for crop production.

Based on the data gathered after the audit, the BSWM TE&AT shall endorse Laboratory Assessment Report to BSWM Director for the issuance or non-issuance of License to Operate – Soil Laboratory (LTO-SL) to DA-RFO 10’s RSL.

Pursuant to PD 1435, DA-RFO 10 RSL Chief, Engr. Elena C. Susaya said the development and operation of every soil laboratory are being supervised, regulated, and controlled by BSWM to ascertain standard operations of soil laboratories in the country. #(MPMTablon)

R-10’s DA-PRDP IPLAN hosts Minda-wide iVCA CapDev training in Camiguin province. 

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – In order to effectively implement the new and updated protocols, plans and processes outlined in the IPLAN operations manual, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) spearheads the Mindanao-wide iVCA Capacity Development Training on July 25-28, 2023 in this province.

The activity was conducted through the IPLAN component in partnership with the Mindanao Project Support Office.

Through the Climate Resilient Agro-oriented Industry Value Chain Analysis or iVCA CapDev training, the planners were geared towards to effectively implement and promote the integration of the Commodity System Investment Plan (CsIP) into the planning systems.

A thorough and step-by-step discussion on the processes of the iVCA capacitated the skills and knowledge of the planners in order to aid the smooth planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation process at the local government units (LGUs).

PSO IPLAN head Elden Karl Requilme emphasized that the CapDev is in preparation for the enhanced process of the VCA.

“As we continue with the project, we still need to enhance and update our VCA to attain better implementation of our future projects,” said Requilme.

NPCO Planning Officers Kristina Kay Relieve and Pinky Villegas further discussed the VCA Commodity Planning Environment and Analysis and the iVCA Preparation and Review.

The training was participated by the PRDP IPLAN consultants and organic personnel of Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM.#

Lunocan cassava farmers will soon benefit from DA-PRDP’s-funded warehouse.

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON – A warehouse with a Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) will soon be established in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon as the Department of Agriculture -Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducts a Pre-Construction Conference for the said facility on August 1, 2023 in this municipality.

Funded by the Additional Financing 2 (AF2), the warehouse with MPDP worth P4,653,741.62, will be constructed in Barangay Lunocan, benefiting cassava producers in the municipality.

In her message, Lunocan barangay captain Melba A. Batoon extended her gratitude to DA-PRDP 10 through Project Director and DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and LGU Manolo Fortich for the subproject they have acquired.

“We have been longing for this subproject to arrive, especially since our area is very far from the town’s center. Soon, it will be easier to access these facilities and we can be more confident with the quality of our produce.”

Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, IBUILD Component Head, congratulated the stakeholders for acquiring the said subproject.

She also emphasized everyone’s role in the implementation of the project which includes the contractor in following the standards set by DA-PRDP and the World Bank, and the residents and barangay officials to monitor the activities in the field.

“For the barangay officials, you will own and use this subproject, thus you need to make sure that the procedures and the quality are of standards,” Engr. Camaro added.

The warehouse with MPDP will be the fifth of its kind to be built in the municipality as the barangays Minsuro, Sto. Niño, Kalugmanan, and Minsuro received it first. #

DA-10 orients COA-10 on its programs and services.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Geared towards working harmoniously with the agency in terms of handling financial transactions and operations, the Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted a brief orientation with the Audit Team – NGAs Cluster 8 Team 07 of the Commission on Audit (COA)-10 on August 9, at the agency compound.

Said meeting is in response to the audit team’s clamor to be apprised on the different programs, projects, services and other interventions of DA-10, for a deeper understanding that government funds spent by the agency are used judiciously, following auditing laws, rules and regulations.

Anchored on DA’s vision of a modernized agri-fishery sector with a diversified rural economy that is dynamic, technologically advanced, and internationally competitive, chiefs and some senior staff from the eight divisions and a center of the agency, have bared their respective deliverables.

Per mandate, COA has the power, authority, and duty to examine and audit all accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to, the Government, or any of its agencies such as the agri department.

The audit team is led by Regional Supervising Auditor Marilou C. Mampao together with State Auditor IV Jurhea M. Lomondaya, State Auditor II Nashiba L. Macaraob, and State Auditor I Kaycee P. Matito.# (JLO)

DA-10 RED Collado administers the oathtaking of Tubaon, the newly promoted employee of the agency.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A newly promoted employee of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took the oath of office on August 7, 2023, at the agency compound.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collando administered the oathtaking of Rosell P. Tuba-on, who is promoted to Senior Agriculturist of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division from being the Agriculturist II.

Attending the ceremony were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) chair Carlota S. Madriaga and RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca together with the concerned division chief and HRMPSB committee members.# (MPMTablon)

DA-10 turns over P7-M village-type dryer to CARC of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

CABANGLASAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over a P7 million village type dryer (VTD) to Cabanglasan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (CARC), of this town.

On August 4, 2023, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, and Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, handed over the key of responsibility to CARC president Orlando T. Adaptar.

According to Guzman, the project aims to help corn farmers reduce postharvest losses and improve grain quality for high market prices; thereby, increasing farmers’ productivity and profit.

“I’m looking forward to this project being sustained. DA is always here to support and is willing to give more projects through the endorsement of the local government unit,” Guzman conveyed.

Funded under the agency’s corn program, the VTD includes one unit corn on cob dryer with 20 metric tons of capacity; one unit corn sheller with 2.5 metric tons per hour shelling quality; one unit recirculating batch grain dryer with 12 metric tons of holding capacity; and a multi-fuel biomass furnace and bagging bin, among others.
Likewise, the VTD’s shed has a floor area of 375 square meters that can fully accommodate the dryer, sheller, furnace, and other accessories.

Cabanglasan has an estimated area of 7,108 hectares for yellow corn and 274 hectares for white corn, with around 5,000 corn farmers.

Furthermore, Cabanglasan Mayor Lolita N. Bullecer urged the farmers to use the facility with care and continuously maintain it in order to provide development for farmers’ profit and satisfaction.

Also present during the activity is Cabanglasan Municipal Vice Mayor Renante V. Inocando, REE with local officials and DA-10 staff.# (RDMElloren)

RAFC-10 presents its newly elected officers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – Region 10 (RAFC-10) conducts a sectoral meeting highlighting the election of officers on July 26, 2023, in this city.

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the RAFC serves a consultative body of the agri department and the different local government units, to assist in the successful implementation of agri-fishery programs, projects, services and interventions.

The newly elected officers are:

Nilda B. Salas – Chairperson
Roldan B. Maglungsod – Vice-Chairperson
Honorio S. Cervantes – Treasurer
Jaime C. Go – Auditor
John C. Mangcao – Public Information Officer (PIO)

Based on the revised Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) guidelines, said officers will hold the office for three consecutive years to usher in the continuing discussions of the challenges besetting the agri-fishery sector with the ultimate goal of finding solutions.

Said activity was led by the electoral board members, namely: Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas, Misamis Oriental Provincial Operations Center for Misamis Oriental and Camiguin chief Wilson V. Lagdamin, and Alanita A. Jumalon, Integrated Laboratories Division chief, all of DA-10, and witnessed by representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).# (MPMTablon)

Region 10’s youth participate in DA’s Young Farmers Challenge. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To engage more youth in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) conducts the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program Start-Up Search for Outstanding Business Model Canvas at the Provincial Level for FY 2023 from July 26-28, 2023, in this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the YFC program, specifically its start-up portfolio, aims to provide financial grant assistance for the youth who are interested to venture into a new or start-up agri-fishery enterprise.

He added that through such initiative, the department can support young farmers and fishers to actively take part in food security, agricultural development, and modernization by encouraging them to engage in activities in agriculture, agribusiness and agripreneurship as catalysts for sustainable development.

Some 34 participants aged from 18 to 30 years old, consisting of 31 individuals and 3 groups regionwide participated, where they presented their respective BMCs.

Represented were the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, and the cities of Iligan and CdeO.

The presentations were evaluated by a panel of provincial judges based on the innovativeness, viability, and sustainability of the agri-fishery business concepts of the young farmer-aspirants, which can either be operated by an individual youth or as a joint venture between two or more individuals.

The panel of evaluators is composed of the Department of Trade and Industry Supervising Development Specialist Lorraine C. Brillantes, Highly Urbanized City Agricultural and Fishery Council chairperson Roger E. Butlig, DA-10 Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division chief Lorena V. Duna, High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, and Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc.

Presenters who will be hailed as provincial winners will receive a grant worth P80K in support of the implementation of their proposed micro- and small-scale agri-fishery enterprises.

Furthermore, they will continue to vie for the seven spots as regional awardees, with categories ranging from production, processing, and digital agriculture, and at stake is P150K financial grant per awardee, while P300K awaits once declared as one of the national level winners.#