DA-10 through its Corn program turns over corn seeds and fertilizers to Damulog town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Targeted to ease farmers’ brunt on the increasing costs of farm inputs, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over seeds and fertilizers to 16 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), at the Municipal Gymnasium, Poblacion, Damulog, Bukidnon.

Funded by the Corn program, the roster of interventions conferred by the agri department is composed of 625 bags of hybrid corn seed (9 kilograms per bag) complemented with 625 bags of complete fertilizer (50 kgs/bag), which are targeted for distribution to select FCA members who are enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Facilitated by the agri office of said municipality, the turnover was graced by DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief of Bukidnon, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Mayor Melino L. Burro, Councilor Ronald Virtudazo, committee on agriculture, and Herberto L. Tan, MAO officer-in-charge. # (JLO/Photos supplied: POC Bukidnon)

Agri-10 thru RED Collado updates IP farmers on how to avail DA’s various agri assistance.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened on Friday, July 21, with the Talakag Living Waters Agro-Forestry Farmers Association (TALIWA FA), at the agency’s compound in this city to discuss appropriate agri-assistance to help augment the FA’s farm production.

The TALIWA FA is a newly-formed association of 60 farmers, primarily indigenous peoples (IPs) from the Talaandig and Higaonon tribes of Bukidnon.

Dir. Collado discussed with the group the DA programs and projects they can avail through the DA’s Rice, Corn, Livestock, High Value Crops Development, and Organic Agriculture program as well as other special projects of the Department.

He also detailed the agency’s SOPs in granting DA interventions to eligible recipients. Mr. Kennek Suarez Lake, Interim President of TALIWA FA, particularly requested from DA the grant of draft animals (horses, cows, water buffalo), livestock (pigs, goats), vegetable and corn seeds, organic fertilizers, agricultural training, irrigation system, storage facility and mechanical equipment.

To be eligible DA beneficiaries, Dir. Collado urged the FA to enroll its members to the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA), and closely coordinate with their Municipal Agriculture Office to guide them in their pursuit to grow as an association. (RDMElloren)

DA-10 provides veggie seeds in support of BLEC’s food sufficiency efforts

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In an effort to extend its services to the public, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds to the Binuangan Lourdes Eagles Club (BLEC) on July 19, 2023 at the agency compound.
Funded under the High Value Crops Development Program, over 80 packets of vegetable (pinakbet) seeds were turned over by Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan to club representative Engr. Jenefe B. Durotan.

The said provisions, Durotan said, will be distributed to two beneficiary sites in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental to aid the organization’s initiatives on backyard gardening for the said community.

Further, Durotan thanked the Department for its seeds provision assistance, citing its impact on their efforts to secure a supply of fresh produce in the area. #(DLVicente)

DA-10 reaffirms support for affordable nutrition in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In observance of the Nutrition Month, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, reaffirmed its support for affordable nutrition in Northern Mindanao, during the Talakayan sa Philippine Information Agency (Talakayan sa PIA) on July 20, in this city.

With the year’s theme, “Healthy diet gawing affordable for all”, the Nutrition Month celebration centers on raising public knowledge of the value of a healthy diet in preserving health and preventing diet-associated diseases, and dissemination of useful knowledge regarding nutrient-rich foods, balanced diet, and healthy eating practices.

In an interview with PIA, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga highlighted the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program (KNP) of DA as a key initiative of the Department in making fresh and affordable agri-fishery products more accessible to the consumers to help address food insecurity and malnutrition.

Farmers and fishers can sell their products directly in identified KNP centers across the region to help them earn higher income by eliminating middle traders in the value chain, while providing the public with cheap and nutritious food options.

National Nutrition Month is observed every July in the Philippines, by virtue of Presidential Decree 491, which was signed into law in 1974.

The Talakayan was also attended by representatives from the National Nutrition Council (NNC)-X, CdeO City Health Office (CHO), Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) from Barangay Balulang, and members of local media.# (MPMTablon)

LARC, a corn and rice-based farmers’ group from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon receives a P3-M combine harvester from DA-10.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Linabo Agrarian Reform Cooperative (LARC), a ninety-active-membered farmers’ group is eyed to augment their productivity and income after being granted a combine harvester worth P3 million (M) from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

On July 21, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD together with Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM of DA-10 led in conferring the certificate of turnover thru the City Government of Malaybalay helmed by Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran represented by its Chief Executive Assistant Anthony James Mondia, and finally, to the benefitting coop, LARC led by its Chairperson Aurelio E. Salem.

Pooled from CY 2022 funds under the agency’s Corn program, said unit is a grain crop, labor- and time-saving harvesting machine that combines reaping, threshing, cleaning and bagging into a single operation.

It is targeted to serve LARC’s existing production area, which is composed of 236.7 hectares for corn, and 196.7 hectares for rice, with a potential area of 200 hectares.

Dr. Guzman urged them to value and maximize the use of said machinery by setting aside funds for its repair and maintenance, which would overall help elevate LARC’s operations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mondia noted the synergistic efforts – from the national, provincial, city and down to the barangay governments, for the acquisition of a combine harvester unit that would directly benefit the farmers in barangay Linabo.

In response to the messages of support and anchoring on the coop’s mission of uplifting the life of its members and agrarian reform beneficiaries, LARC chairperson Salem is grateful that the government has seen its potential to manage the combined harvester.

Likewise, the coop head committed that under his wing, they will exercise responsibility, accountability and transparency, in whatever available resources they have for the benefit of their members, fellow farmers and their community.

Apart from the provided machinery, LARC has also availed other forms of assistance from DA-10 such as agricultural inputs and financial assistance.

Now in its silver year, it continues to venture into production, processing, and marketing, with reach not just limiting to the locality, but also in the cities of Valencia, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and the towns of Maramag and Cabanglasan in Bukidnon.

Also supporting the cooperative during the turnover ceremony is the City Government of Malaybalay thru its agriculture and engineering offices, the local barangay of Linabo, and the Department of Agrarian Reform. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – One newly appointed employee of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took her oath of office on Thursday, July 13.

Teressa E. Sambaan is appointed as the Administrative Assistant III assigned at the Office of the Regional Executive Director (ORED) from being a Project Development Assistant I.

Administering the oathtaking is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, in the presence of DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board chair Carlota S. Madriaga and other ORED staff. #(DLVicente)

DA-10 through its AMAD conducts an InfoCar on FFEDIS.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted an Information Caravan on the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) here in the city.

Created under section 10 of Republic Act No. 11321, otherwise known as Sagip Saka Act and DA Memorandum Circular 25, series of 2020, FFEDIS is a web-based information system that contains a list of possible and implemented programs and projects, a registry of agricultural and fisheries enterprises, and a roster of private companies engage in such enterprises.

Around 23 Young Farmer Challenge (YFC) awardees from Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon as well as two former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) were mustered to the said caravan, in the hopes of further boosting their productivity and enterprise through FFEDIS.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the activity is an avenue for young farmers and OFWs to strengthen their enterprises.

He added, that it will be achieved by establishing a comprehensive and holistic approach in the formulation, coordination and implementation of enterprise development initiatives and intensifying the building of entrepreneurship culture among them.

Registration can be done, either through the FFEDIS Registration Disk at the agency through AMAD or thru a web-based registration using the link https://ffedis.da.gov.ph

Documentary requirements include an accomplished FFEDIS enrollment form, valid business permit, and applicable certificates of registration coming from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Upon completed validation of said documents, the registration officer of DA-10 thru AMAD shall prepare and endorse the FFEDIS Certificate of Registration to the agency head for approval.

As stated in the FFEDIS enrollment form, the data collected will be used in the market matching activities, promotion of agri-fishery enterprises in social media, inclusion in the digital and printed directories of agri-fishery enterprises (AFEs), and information sharing to prospective buyers and sellers.

Further discussed are the credit programs of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and Agricultural Competitive Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending program by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) that aim to increase the productivity of farmers and fisherfolk by providing necessary credit for their enterprises.

Julius A. Vasallo, account officer of LBP CdeO lending center, urged the qualified participants to apply to their program [ACEF] for their capital needs and expansion of their enterprise.

“Since we are into the value chain, LBP is always here to help and I am hoping for your success in this field [agri-fishery based enterprise],” Vasallo conveyed.# (RDMElloren)

DA officials visit Iligan City headed by Mayor Siao, as the department eyes to help agri dev’t in said city.

ILIGAN CITY – Officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) from the national and regional offices led by DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Consumer Affairs Kristine Y. Evangelista paid a visit to Iligan City headed by Mayor Frederick W. Siao, this city.

In the brief meeting, discussions centered on the city’s agricultural development plan, particularly on the availment of DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa program intended for their facility transportation, and machinery for their abaca production.

Mayor Siao also tackled the potential agricultural land of the city for dairy production and the establishment of a research complex in support of their feasibility studies that may help farmers, including Indigenous People communities uplift their livelihood and income.

According to DA-Regional Field Office 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, the realization of the cited interventions will also help increase the productivity and competitiveness of the city’s farming population, employment opportunities, and public and private partnerships in key agricultural areas.

In support of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program, ASec Evangelista urged the city officials to encourage more young farmers to engage in agri-fishery enterprises and guide them every step of the way to become more productive.

In addressing to their request, she further encouraged the city officials to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) as a way forward for their needs in developing and maximizing the city’s agricultural sector’s growth.# (RDMElloren)

DA-10 inks MOU to contribute in mitigating hunger and reducing poverty under EPAHP. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado inks the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program on July 13, 2023, at the agency compound.

The program aims to aid in reducing hunger, eliminate poverty in urban and rural areas, including marginalized communities, and ensure food security.

With the said agreement, DA-10 shall provide agricultural and fishery inputs and services, capacity building, and organizational strengthening assistance to farmers and fisherfolk organizations.

Also, assist groups acquire funding from microfinance and other credit institutions and mobilize resources for agricultural produce cultivation, processing, and postharvest facilities.

Other national government agencies have also marked their commitment ahead on June 23, 2023.

It can be recalled that RED Collado has already signed the same MOU, which previously had a one-year validity, while said document that the DA official has just signed, will be in effect until 2028.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and EPAHP – Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) Capacity Building and General Administration Officer Jesamor B. Daculos witnessed the signing.# (MPMTablon)

OneDA family in R-10 attends investment programming workshop spearheaded by PMS-IPD and hosted by Agri-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Eleven DA attached bureaus and agencies participated in an investment programming workshop hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on July 10 to 14, 2023, in this city.

Spearheaded by the Planning and Monitoring Service – Investment Programming Division (PMS-IPD) of the DA-Central Office (DA-CO), the capacity building centered on the foundation and principles of investment programming in an effort to strengthen the policy making and planning of the agency.

In her message, DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Regulations Mercedita A. Sombilla underscored the importance of the event and the attendance of the OneDA members, citing that it aligns with DA’s efforts toward the efficient delivery of services for our farmers and the Filipino people.

Event resource speaker and planning consultant Catherine G. Vidar discussed the National Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization and Industrialization Plan (NAFMIP) Agenda for Transformative Investment and basic concepts on investment planning.

Workshop activities on drafting an investment framework, conducting a problem-solution analysis, and identifying programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) were also conducted.
The said event forms part of a series of capacity building activities by PMS-IPD slated this year for the updating of the Public Investment Program (PIP) 2023-2028 and the Three-Year Rolling Infrastructure Program (TRIP) 2025-2027 as integral input to the formulation of the FY 2025 Plan and Budget.

Heading the PMS-IPD of DA-CO is Joseph C. Manicad, together with Maricar H. Tayco, deputy chief and other staff, while DA attached bureaus and agencies in attendance are PhilFIDA, BFAR, BPI, NFRDI, PCAF, BAFS, PRRI, FPA, BAI, PhilMech and ACPC. # (GDAndres)