CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the Mosangot Women’s Producer Cooperative (MOWOPCO) of Binuangan town, Misamis Oriental recently received P697,800 worth of agri-livelihood support from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Twenty-five women poultry raisers who are members of MOWOPCO will benefit from the said assistance as part of its Egg Production Project.

The intervention includes a package of 315 ready-to-lay chicken, 7 chicken cages, 100 bags of chicken layers feeds, and veterinary drugs and biologics.

The MOWOPCO is among the seven identified beneficiary Farmers’ Associations/Cooperatives (FCAs) in Misamis Oriental for the DA-SAAD Phase 2 implementation from 2023 to 2028.

The cooperative is operating an estimated 7.62 hectares (ha) of land area dedicated for livestock production.

As their counterpart, the group apportioned some 130 square meters of production area where they built their poultry house for the chicken layers.

MOWOPCO is set to begin supplying eggs to wholesalers and retailers in the local market in Binuangan town starting this month, with an expected initial sales of P49,950 per month.

The cooperative is set to receive other assistance such as 100 egg trays and five rolls of chicken nets in the first quarter of 2024 as a package to the DA-SAAD egg production project.#(JAS)

Agri-10 conducts coordination meeting highlighting climate-resilient agriculture for high-valued crops.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further expand basic information on climate-resilient agriculture, the Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducted a Climate Resiliency on High-Valued Crops coordination meeting on January 10, here.

Around 13 agricultural technicians from the different municipalities of Misamis Oriental convened to reiterate the importance of climate-resilient agriculture in attaining food security and broader development goals amid constant climate change while increasing food production on high-valued crops.

In her message, DA-10 Field Operations Division (FOD) chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, said that the meeting will catalyze positive change in the agricultural sector, that will enable participants to identify and prioritize key areas that require immediate attention, such as the implementation of climate-smart techniques, the adoption of resilient crop varieties, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices.

“By adopting a climate-resilient and environmentally friendly approach, we can ensure sustainable agricultural practices that not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also contribute to the overall well-being of communities,” she conveyed.

During the meeting, agency representatives discussed the following: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), updates on the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) programs and projects implementation in the region, Integrated Pest Management (IPM)/Various Production Support Services (VPSS) program and updates, and post-disaster needs assessment.

As a way forward, the attendees are eyed to have more practical training sessions that will focus on the development of climate-resilient agriculture, which is crucial for the long-term success of empowering farming and fishing communities.# (RDME)

Misamis Occidental farmers undergo concoction-making training thru DA-10 SAAD.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To capacitate the six farmers’ associations (FAs) in Misamis Occidental assisted by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) in Region 10 recently underwent concoction-making training.

Such capacity building is part of Bio-Intensive Agricultural Production Training provided by the program in preparation for the full-swing implementation of their agri-livelihood production projects in 2024.

Twenty-five members of the six FAs attended the concoction-making training to upgrade their farming knowledge and skills, particularly in making alternative fertilizers and pesticides to replace chemicals.

The participating FAs are the Punta Sulong SAAD Phase 2 Farmers Association (Baliangao), Maligubaan Farmers’ Association (Concepcion), Gandawan Strawberry Growers’ Association (Don Victoriano), San Roque SAAD Swine Growers Association (Panaon), Salimpuno SAAD sa Mag-uuma Association (Sapang Dalaga) and San Isidro Bajo SAAD Beneficiaries Association (Sinacaban).

Each FA was capacitated in producing fermented fruit juice, fermented plant juice, and fish amino acid, which will be used as foliar fertilizers and vitamins for animals; Calcium Phosphate or CaPhos for poultry and foliar fertilizer for crops; lactic acid for good animal digestion; and oriental herb nutrients as an organic pesticide, antibiotic, and dewormer.

The DA-SAAD phase 2 is being implemented in 5th and 6th-class towns in Misamis Occidental for a period of six years from 2023-2028, providing agri-livelihood interventions to identify the poorest of the poor farmers in the province.#

DA-10 provides support to MIS’ urban agri initiatives. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote the production and consumption of vegetables and at the same time address malnutrition, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) handed over some vegetable seeds and garden tools to Musibay Integrated School (MIS) in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte on January 12 at the agency compound.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas and Senior Agriculturist, Richan D. Lacanaria of the Field Operations Division, turned over assorted (Pinakbet) vegetable seeds, and garden tools such as light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo to Onilyn M. Patad, MIS farm worker.

Patad said that the provisions will aid in the implementation of their Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, which will engage students in gardening and eventually, will also provide them with easier access to fresh and quality produce, which is essential to having a healthy diet.# (MPMT)

Agri-10 targets 210 hectares of hybrid upland rice demo farm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to further boost Northern Mindanao’s local rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado is eyeing the establishment of 210 hectares of upland hybrid rice production technology demonstration farm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In a coordination meeting held Tuesday, January 9, DA-10 laid down preliminary action plans together with the Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture’s Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture’s Office, Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Philippine Army, and the partner seed company, SeedWorks Philippines, to set the project in motion.

According to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, this project is consistent with DA’s sustained effort to attain food security in the region.

She said that with the project, DA’s ultimate goal is to boost upland rice production in Bukidnon, as the pilot province.

Farmers will be introduced with hybrid upland rice production technology to help them increase their yield, particularly since conventional upland rice farming is pegged to yield only two tons per hectare or lower, the director added.

The demonstration farm will be established in three locations in Malaybalay City – barangay Uno, Sumpong and Can-ayan, within the ancestral domain under the care of BUKTAMACO.

Before full-blown implementation, the project will undergo a trial phase by cultivating two-hectare flat and one-hectare sloppy upland production areas in said localities.

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project will be implemented using two-pronged strategies – introduction of the hybrid upland rice production technology and preparation of the local farmers for increased production.

He emphasized the project is a breakthrough agricultural undertaking that can exponentially contribute to the region’s food supply on a phase-by-phase implementation, first by utilizing a pre-existing natural farming environment, and later on, introducing agricultural infrastructure for expanded capacity.

For the first phase of implementation, DA-10 will be providing the required hybrid upland rice seeds, fertilizers as well as mechanized land preparation.

As their counterpart, the DA’s partners will shoulder the labor and maintenance, farm chemicals, technical and administrative assistance, and military support.

The trial demonstration farm will be planted by the end of this month. The project will be in full swing come 2024 wet planting season.# (ATT)

F2C2 of DA-10 holds an assessment and planning workshop to further said strategy and help farmers and fishers better. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted an assessment and planning workshop for said strategy on January 11-12, in Dalwangan here.

In her message, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD said that the activity is important for the implementation of F2C2 this year.

“For us to move forward effectively, we need to look back and identify the issues and concerns that we encountered last year that contributed to the attainment of our targets in each commodity or sector, and find possible solutions to address any gaps.”

She added the need to identify the successful interventions and make them a baseline to improve and serve the farmers and fishers better.

In an update presented by F2C2 Focal Person Gay Nanette M. Aleria, a total of 151 farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations were identified and validated with 37,8710 farmers and fisherfolk clustered in the region.

Likewise, she highlighted the program’s stride for 2023, which included the conduct of the first-ever Regional F2C2 Summit and the launching of their coffee table book entitled “Bulig”, which underscored stories on the adoption of clustering and consolidation approach in the production, processing and marketing activities among small NorMin farmers and fishers, reaping benefits from economies of scale.

Further, Aleria discussed the proposed programs, projects, and activities for prioritization in 2024 such as the conduct of another regional F2C2 summit and more trainings to capacitate said clusters in their respective fields.

The activity is attended by the technical working group of F2C2, which includes the different banner programs and projects of DA-10 and the provincial operations centers of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental. # (CRS)

LGU Gingoog City receives agri-stimulus package from DA-10.

Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over P2.94 million (M) worth of Agriculture Stimulus Package Bayanihan II; Urban Agriculture Program to the Local Government Unit of Gingoog City (CLGU Gingoog) on December 12, in this city.

Handing over the certificate is DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, to Enrique S. Guevarra, DM, CLGU Gingoog administrator.

According to Pit, these agri-interventions aim to establish and promote different urban agriculture technologies through the distribution of agricultural inputs and tools, and the provision trainings to highly urbanized communities, ensuring the availability and affordability of diverse, quality and safe food at the same time maximizing the potential of food-based approaches for economic opportunities.

“By implementing innovative techniques, providing access to modern farming equipment, and offering training programs to farmers, these interventions contribute to a substantial increase in the city’s agricultural activities,” he conveyed.

Included in the package of interventions are the provision of 1 unit of Greenhouse with Micro sprinkler irrigation system amounting to P1-M, 4 units Mushroom Growing House (P400K), 2K Mushroom Fruiting Bag (P120K), 270 packs Polypropylene bag (P72.9K), 2 units Hand tractor/Multi-cultivator (P460K), 2 units All-Purpose Shredder (P390K), 60 bags Organic Fertilizer (P19.8K), 60kg Vegetable Seeds (P336.8K), 18 rolls A-net (P81.2K), 1 unit Bag Filling Machine (P52K), 12 units Light Hoe (P4.6K), 12 units Shovel (P4.3K), and 2 units Wheel Barrow worth P6.2K.

Meanwhile, Gingoog City agriculturist Miriam A. de La Plaza expressed her gratitude for the assistance from DA that would provide additional support to the Urban Agriculture Program of the city.

“These interventions encompass a wide range of activities that would improve agricultural practices, increase productivity, and enhance the overall efficiency of the agricultural value chain in our community,” she said.

Furthermore, Pit pins for the sustainability of the projects received at the same time encouraged CLGU Gingoog to help in determining additional agricultural-related assistance in their locality.

Pooled from its CY 2021 funds, said project under Bayanihan II is realized through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of DA-10.

Also witnessing the turnover ceremony are DA-10 Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, Agriculturist II of HVCDP, Engr. Francis James O. Manlantao of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division of CLGU Gingoog and other staff.# (RDME)

PITAC of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon receives P5-M in check from DA-10 through RED Collado.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed to provide more marketing opportunities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over a P5 million (M) check to the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center ( PITAC) Multipurpose Cooperative on January 4, at the agency compound, in this city.

Funded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance, it aims to provide logistic assistance to PITAC for their yellow corn trading and marketing for the procurement of a 10-wheeler wing van.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the turnover of check to PITAC MPC chair, Sonia R. Chanen-Debonville.

The coop also counterparts P1.25-M as their equity making the total cost of P6.25-M.

On receiving the assistance, she shared, “Currently, we are renting a vehicle to haul our corn produce in the different parts of Bukidnon. Thus, this assistance will greatly help our farmers in accelerating their harvest and reducing postharvest costs.”

It can be recalled that the coop is among the farmers’ cooperatives, associations who signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Kadiwa grant in 2023.# (AMB)

DA-10 sets aside P73.62-million for the implementation of fishery rehab project.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed in over P73.62-million check to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – X (BFAR-X) through Regional Director Edward B. Yasay in support of the agency’s rehabilitation project on December 29, in this city.

Due to shear line-induced flash floods and wind convergence last December 24-27, 2022, agri-officials from both agencies convened to sign a Memorandom of Agreement (MOA) for the rehabilitation project for the affected fishery sector, which was significantly damaged during said calamity.

To ensure the sustainable development and conservation of our agricultural and aquatic resources, Dir. Collado assured its support for said project, as it plays a key role in the post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery operations of stricken-coastal communities at the same time uplift the welfare of its fisherfolk.

The allotment is composed of the provision of 1,259 units of motorized-made fiber-reinforced plastic material with multiple handling fishing gear (labor and materials) amounting to P71.16-M, 58 units net gear (P670.65K), two units payao (P76.45K), and fingerlings such as Hito (10K pieces), Tilapia (89,060 pcs), and Milkfish (40K pcs) for a cost of P379.06K.

Also, the BFAR-X managed facility, the Malaubang Brackishwater Fish Farm in Ozamis City, which supplies fingerlings in Misamis Occidental and it neighboring provinces, has been set aside P1.33-M for rehabilitation.

According to BFAR-10 RD Yasay, the provision of motorized boats, fishing gears, and other fishing paraphernalia, including the supply of fingerlings will provide the needed intervention for the calamity-affected fisherfolk across the five provinces of Northern Mindanao.

“These are necessary not only in restoring the livelihood of fishers in Region 10, but also to ensure the continuous supply of fish and other fishery products in the region,” he conveyed.

Also witnessing the event are DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Administrative and Finance Division Accounting Section chief Claudia B. Artazo, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division officer-in-charge Lana Mae S. Racines, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas, Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban, and Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit Gay Nanette R. Aleria.

From BFAR-10, Fisheries Production and Support Services Division chief Marlou N. Fernandez, Accounting Unit chief Jyllenn May F. Bulaybulay, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit officer-in-charge Stephanie R. Cantorne, and other staff.# (RDME)

DA-10 thru RED Collado signs the MOA with CSEI for the conduct of techo demo for Soba in the agency’s research stations.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to open more science-based production technologies to augment farmers’ productivity and profitability, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Carmen Rise Exporters, Inc. (CSEI), an exporter of agricultural products to Japan, for the conduct of technology demonstrations for buckwheat (Soba) production in its research centers.

Held on December 21 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado signed the MOU with Mr. Tetsuji Yukawa, CSEI manager, witnessed by Aleli Maghirang, agriculture attaché in South Korea and Japan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, and the DA-Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance team headed by its chief, Angelita dela Cueva-Martir.

Said undertaking will help determine the adaptability and potential of growing buckwheat in the region by initially showcasing it through DA’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan and at NMACLRC, both in Bukidnon province.

“With CSEI interested to invest in Soba, DA through our Research Division looks forward to establish, collect data, document and monitor the on-site trials, as we will jointly explore the said crop in the region.” Dir. Collado said.

With the techno demos eyed in the agri department’s grounds, CSEI will provide buckwheat seed or planting materials and other agricultural inputs as well as technical assistance, who will work hand-in-hand with the agri research personnel.

“The showcase will run for two [wet and dry] seasons, and in this span, we will be presenting the outputs to our stakeholders for farmers’ information and utilization, and importantly, as CSEI intends to buy the produced seeds from farmer-adopters.” the agri exec chief added.

Also in attendance are the Korean delegates, members of the DA-10 and Regional Management committees, for the simultaneous turnover of the project entitled “Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines” from the Korean government to the Philippines through DA, which is housed in the latter’s research complex here.# (JLO)