DA Regional ACEF coordinating unit evaluates agri-based business proposals for possible funding. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Head of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF)-Regional Coordinating Unit Carlota S. Madriaga presides over the deliberation of the business proposal for loan application under ACEF, today, February 23, here in this city.

A total of seven business proposals were reviewed and evaluated which include abaca plantation, abaca plantation and expansion, hog fattening, cacao production, coffee production and rice mill from interested recipients in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City.

The deliberation was attended by ACEF RCU Vice-Head Lana May S. Racines with the members composed of the division chiefs and the program focal person of DA-10’s banner programs: rice, corn, high value crops development program, organic agriculture and livestock.

The RCU agreed and recommended the enhancement of the proposals in preparation for the proponents’ presentation and defense.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado explained that the ACEF Lending Program aims to increase the productivity of farmers and fisherfolk by providing the necessary credit to farmers and fisherfolk and their cooperatives and associations, and micro and small-scale enterprises, for the acquisition and establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment and facilities, farm inputs and improvement.#(ATC)

DA-10 supports institutionalization of Halal ordinance in Iligan City.

ILIGAN CITY – To further enhance Iligan City’s Halal initiatives, the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10) through its Lanao del Norte (LDN) Provincial Operations Center (POC) spearheaded a coordination meeting with the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Iligan to discuss the institutionalization of the Halal Ordinance here.

On February 20, DA-10 LDN POC chief Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo, who is also the Halal alternate focal person, Kevin R. Fernan, focal person for agriculture of Iligan City Agriculture Office together with City Councilor Atty. Maria Paz Teresa V. Zalsos and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Iligan City Field Director, Dir. Norolain Jamil Balt, convened to tackle the significance of institutionalizing a Halal ordinance in the locality.

According to Engr. Paporo, the coordination meeting catalyzed collective action toward establishing Iligan City as a beacon of Halal industry excellence, with stakeholders uniting to promote economic growth and cultural diversity in the region.

“It is the purpose of this Ordinance to promote, protect, and respect the religious belief, customs and traditions of our Muslim community here in Iligan city in their sacred concept of Halal,” he said.

The term “Halal” is commonly used in Arabic to indicate permissibility or acceptability. It refers to a set of dietary guidelines and practices followed by Muslims according to their Islamic law.

As development partners in promoting well-being and integrity among Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado underscored the importance of cross-agency collaboration in pursuing this endeavor.

The agri chief exec also recognized the local government’s dedication as partners of DA in advancing the Halal industry, as it creates a more conducive environment for the growth and development of the agri-fishery sector.

Meanwhile, Councilor Zalsos and Dir. Balt expressed their commitment to the cause, with Councilor Zalsos even indicating her willingness to sponsor the drafting and endorsement of a local ordinance. Furthermore, the group also discussed the possibility of attending the Halal International Congress, which is slated to take place in Turkey in May 2024, in addition to local efforts to attain invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities to further strengthen Iligan City’s Halal initiatives.#

DA-10 through AMAD and BPI conducts a joint price monitoring of basic agricultural commodities in major public markets in CdeO City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO) together with DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (Plant Quarantine Service and Plant Product Safety Services Division) conducted a joint price monitoring of basic agricultural commodities in the major public markets here.

On February 22, a monitoring team led by Giovani T. Flores, head of the monitoring of Bantay Presyo of DA-BPI PQS together with DA-AMAD 10 staff visited the Bulua, Carmen and Cogon public markets to gather relevant and accurate data on the prices of various agricultural products.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the data gathered from the respondents and stalls in the market would not only help in generating up-to-date and accurate price information for the benefit of the public but also build a reliable monitoring system for the region’s commodities.

The DA-BPI has strengthened border control to avoid the possible introduction of exotic pests and diseases in the region.

“The strengthened price monitoring of basic agricultural commodities plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural development, ensuring price stability, and preventing market manipulation,” said DA BPI PQS 10 Regional Manager Arnold DelaCruz.

He added that market monitoring is also vital to ensure that agri commodities displayed in the market are safe for public consumption.

Furthermore, this approach aims to foster a more competitive and efficient market environment for agri stakeholders and consumers alike.# (RDME)

DA-10 signs MOA with PLGU Bukidnon for the hauling truck project that would aid improve farmers’ productivity.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Bukidnon signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Monday, February 19 for the one unit P3.2 million hauling truck.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque signed the agreement to increase the farm productivity of marginal farmers.

Director Collado said that the hauling truck will enable the PLGU to reach out to more farmers’ cooperatives and associations for an efficient transport system from farm to market.

“Such a strategy reduces postharvest losses and transport costs and facilitates faster delivery of products,” he added.

Funded by the department’s Corn Program, the provision of hauling truck is part of the government’s commitment to improving the farmers’ income.

The signing was witnessed by Bukidnon Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon.#(ATC)

DA-10 and PHilMech tackle the corn mechanization status of Region 10. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of its amplified efforts to support corn farmers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened with the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) to discuss the status of corn mechanization in Northern Mindanao, on February 26, at the agency compound.

During the meeting, the attached agency bared its plans to conduct a series of visits to the municipalities and cities of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte from February 26 to March 4, to conduct an inventory of existing corn mechanization interventions in the area.

Specifically, the team seeks to gather data on the areas of coverage, usage history, and present condition, among others, of available corn machinery, facilities, and equipment in identified sites to determine its operational statuses.

According to DA-PHilMech Science Research Specialist I Judy Ann G. Lacbaoan, who also leads the team for the Northern Mindanao leg of said undertaking, the data collected will be highly insightful for the agency’s strategic provision of interventions for corn farmers in the country, especially in this region.

“The first stop in our series of visits in Mindanao is in Region 10, in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte, during which we hope to get an update on the status of corn mechanization in the area, and collect data we can use for further interventions,” she said.

Identified as a top-producing region for yellow and white corn by the DA-PHilMech, the attached agency reiterates its commitment to support Northern Mindanao through the project, with visits to other provinces in Region 10 eyed during the second quarter of the year.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga expressed her thanks to the DA-PHilMech for the said project, citing its significant implications in boosting local productivity and fostering modernized agriculture in Region 10.

Present during the said meeting were DA-10 Regional Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division – Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, and staff.# (GDA)

DA-spearheaded onion derby and farmers’ forum is eyed to improve farmers’ productivity and increase the onion supply in Region 10.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Aiming to boost onion production in the region to attain self-sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) stages an Allium Derby and Farmers’ Forum on February 22, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan here.

Spearheaded by DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program in coordination with the Research Division, and private seed and chemical companies, the activity gathered 100 farmers and other relevant stakeholders to witness the showcase of different onion varieties and their corresponding farming protocols.

“We can see from the two locations that onion production is viable in Region 10,” shared DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with the earlier conduct of the same in Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City, held last week.

He also noted that the agency will be procuring onion seeds and likewise, encouraged interested farmers’ cooperatives, and associations to submit their letter requests to avail of the said intervention.

Meanwhile, each seed and chemical company was given time to share their respective onion technologies and also distributed Information, Education and Communication materials to the attending farmers.

Assistant Sales Manager for Visayas and Mindanao, Andre Abonitalla is thankful to DA for the implementation of the field trials for Onion.

“Currently, our onions in Mindanao are from Luzon and the price per onion increases since there is an additional freight cost, however, if onions are produced locally here in region 10, this cost will be removed, thus resulting in cheaper onions,” he added.

During the derby cum forum, Allied Botanical, Corp. emerged as champions while Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp. and Ramgo Seeds are awarded first- and second-runner-up, respectively.

Criteria for judging included the biggest yield volume (in kilogram), best quality, and best economic efficiency.

For her part, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, acting provincial agriculturist for Bukidnon shared that they will be working closely with DA-10’s Research Division to look for more locations as potential onion-producing sites.

Also supporting the event are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, with DA-10’s attached bureaus and agencies: Agricultural Training Institute and Bureau of Plant Industry as well as private chemical companies such as Envireau Pacific, Inc., FMC Agro Philippines, Inc., Aldiz, Inc., and Tropi-Cuke, Inc.

Another round of such event is also slated for DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development in Claveria, Misamis Oriental on March 21, this year. #(AMBM)

R-10’s aggie department provides P3.2-million hauling truck to the local government of Bukidnon.

To speed up in extending agricultural services, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turns over a hauling truck to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Bukidnon on February 22.

The P3.2 million (M) worth of hauling truck funded under the agency’s Corn Program was turned over by DA-10 officials to Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon.

PA Lagamon shared that the truck will be helpful for the delivery of inputs such as seeds and fertilizers as well as aid in the province’s Kadiwa operations.

“This hauling truck will accelerate the delivery of agri-interventions to beneficiaries, especially in far-flung areas and enhance the production and marketing aspects of farmers in the province,” she added.#(AMBM)

DAEA-10 joins DAEA’s simultaneous 20th anniversary celebration.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture Employees Association-10 (DAEA-10) participates in the simultaneous celebration of DAEA’s 20th anniversary on February 19-23, nationwide.

The celebration aims to foster a sense of community and support the welfare of the department employees, anchored on this year’s theme, “Dalawang DAEAkadang Sama-samang Paglilingkod”.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado recognized the organization’s vital role in working collaboratively with the management to enhance productivity, create a positive work environment, and improve employees’ welfare.

As part of the weeklong celebration, DAEA-10 with its former president, Lourdes P. Rudinas, serving from 2016 until 2023 in Region 10, received the “Gawad Parangal sa Natatanging DAEANs” from DA, held at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Quezon City.

Said award symbolizes the recognition and appreciation of the efforts and accomplishments for competent service during her term creating and maintaining harmonious relationships between the management and employees.

At the region, a poster-making contest was conducted and participated in by the employees of DA-10, and the winning poster will be digitally forwarded to the national, as one of DAEA-10’s highlighted activities.

To cap the celebration, DAEA-10 will also be conducting a zumba activity on February 23, which will be attended by the members.#(MPMT)

DA-PhilMech and the Provincial Government of Bukidnon holds a groundbreaking ceremony for the P101.5-M grains center in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A P101.5 million grains center will soon provide services to the milling needs of the farmers in Bukidnon and its neighboring areas with its groundbreaking on Monday, February 19 in Sinabuagan, Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Bukidnon Provincial Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque with DA-PhilMech Facility Management and Field Operations Division (FMFOD) Chief Mayville B. Castro with Valencia City Mayor Azucenas P. Huervas led the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the groundbreaking of the said project.

Witnessing the MOA signing are DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, DA-PhilMech Mindanao A Cluster Head, Engr. Edgar Testa, Vice Governor Clive D. Quiño and Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon.

The Provincial Government of Bukidnon, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) availed the Rice Processing System (RPS) II facility under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program to establish a grains center in the province.

Of the P101.5 million, the DA-Philmech allocates P61.5 million for the rice processing system while the PLGU Bukidnon counterparts the P40 million for building construction.

The PLGU Bukidnon will directly manage and operate the grains center which will be situated in barangay Sinabuagan of said city.

With the RPS package, the province will be provided with state-of-the-art components that include a 1-unit 4-5 tons per hour rice mill with mist polisher, length grader, and color sorter.

The RPS package also includes four units of 6 tons per batch of mechanical recirculating dryers.

Said project aims to minimize post-harvest losses of rice in the province and to increase the income of rice farmers by buying their palay at a reasonable price.# (ATC/Engr. IMadjus/Photos:DA-PhilMech)

DA-10 joins TESDA and DTI to boost support to mango farmers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the tutelage of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado coordinated with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the conduct of capacity building activities for mango processing on February 20, at the agency compound.

The brief meeting focused on the endorsement of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries National Sectoral Committee on Fruits and Vegetables Resolution No. 09, Series of 2023, recommending TESDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prioritize the creation of capacity building program for farmers in upscaling mango processing, branding and packaging for more competitive and sustainable mango products.

Before the team from TESDA headed by Chief TESD Specialist Austolio V. Igot, the department through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) initially committed the provision of a list and profile of mango growers’ association, and ensuing this, the conduct of consultation meetings with the different mango stakeholders.

RED Collado added that there is a need to also coordinate with the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – 10 (RAFC-10) with the pool of knowledge of the council of the issues and concerns of mango producers in Northern Mindanao that will also contribute to determining the best interventions to upscale the operations of mango farmers, catering to small-scale and large-scale producers.

Courses of action undertaken are geared toward empowering farmers to improve the quality and competitiveness of their mango products, leading to increased incomes and improved livelihoods, as cited by PCAF.

Also present in the meeting are Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, Supervising TESD Specialist Elisa May H. de Pedro and Technical Support Staff Louisse Diamond Phillip Macale.# (TJTL)