LGU Plaridel crafts their municipal dev’t plan with help from NGAs, including DA-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The local government of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental crafted their municipal development plan during the Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) on September 29, 2022, in this city.

To refine such plan, Plaridel Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon invited the national government agencies (NGAs) as panelists at the same time to present their respective programs, projects and interventions that the town could avail of.

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado encouraged the LGU to consider the roster of interventions offered by the agency to boost the major agricultural production in the town such as rice, cacao, coffee and coconut.

On the other hand, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, presented the different interventions under DA’s banner programs, namely: Rice, Corn, Livestock and High Value Crops Development as well as the foreign-assisted and locally funded projects.

Present during the workshop were the town’s executive and legislative members, department heads, NGAs such as BFAR, DOT, DOH, NHA, NEDA and COA, among others.#

Agri dept through its Corn program caps the conduct of a corn derby in Southern Bukidnon for the wet cropping season.

Dangcagan, Bukidnon – The hybrid corn variety P3660YHR of the Corteva Agri Science was declared the most profitable variety with 3.2 Pesos Return on Investment (ROI) per 1 Peso production cost, as the DA-Region 10 (DA-10) capped its wet cropping Corn Derby in its Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in the town of Dangcagan, Bukidnon on September 16.

The hybrid varieties DK8899S of Bayer Crop Science and NK6410BGT of Syngentha Philippines were ranked second, with an identical 3 Pesos ROI per 1 Peso investment. Close in third is Bayer Crops Science’s DK8131S with 2.9 Pesos ROI per 1 Peso investment.

The said hybrid corn varieties were highly recommended for planting by the corn farmers in Southern Bukidnon, taking into account the topography and the climate in the area.

The Corn Derby is an annual technology demonstration spearheaded by the DA-10’s Corn program with the objective of helping corn farmers in the region in identifying the most-suited hybrid corn variety in their location, and equip them with cutting edge corn production technologies.

In his message, DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director, Milo D. delos Reyes underscored the many potentials of Bukidnon for corn production. He also urged the farmers to take full advantage of the promising farmgate price of corn in the province presently pinned at 22 Pesos per kilo.

“Let us continue to plant corn and take advantage of the high buying price. All you need now is to be diligent, persistent and a little investment,” he said.

He also urged the corn farmers to diversify their crops and avoid monoculture for optimal earning. He further encouraged the farmers to instill in their children the appreciation for agriculture at a young age as a way of nurturing the farming tradition.

For his part, DA-10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Audy G. Maagad emphasized the local government units’ (LGUs)key roles in organizing and clustering the corn farmers.

“We are hoping that the LGUs will continuously back our effort to organize our corn farmers. With organized farmers, we can easily cascade farming information and technologies to the grassroots level,” he averred.

The Corn Derby harvest ceremony was attended by farmers and personnel of the municipal agriculture offices from the towns of Quezon, Kitaotao, Kibawe, Damulog, Dangcagan, and Don Carlos in Southern Bukidnon.

The derby was participated by six hybrid corn seed developers namely, Asian Hybrid Seed Technology, Inc., Evogene Seed Philippines, Bayer Crop Science, Bioseed Research Philippines, Syngenta Philippines, and Corteva Agri Science, who featured 13 hybrid corn seed entries planted in a 1.3-hectare demonstration farm inside the RCUD.

Champion variety of the wet cropping Corn Derby will be announced after the harvest ceremony in two other DA-10 research stations – the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and Research Center for Hilly Land Development (RCHD) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental late this month and early October. # (ATalib)

Agri dept joins the CCB 10^th anniversary celebration thru its personnel’s attendance in a virtual summit set up at the agency’s compound.

Cagayan de Oro City – In solidarity to the 10th anniversary celebration of the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) participated in the Isang Dekada ng Paglilingkod Virtual Summit organized by CSC on Tuesday, September 27.

The Human Resource Management Section (HRMS) of DA-10 gathered select employees of the agency representing each division to take part in said summit through a virtual set-up in its compound.

CCB is the pioneering Philippine government’s feedback facilities, serving as the bridge between the government and the people. Since its launching on September 27, 2012, it has been an avenue for Filipino citizens to lodge their concerns on government transactions.

Grounded on the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (Republic Act No. 9485) and the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 (Republic Act 11032), CCB is instrumental to government offices’ effort to be more responsive of the peoples’ needs by attending to and resolving their complaints over government services.

To mark its 10th founding year, it honored top 20 performing government agencies with the highest resolution rates of the complaints lodged to CCB.

The agencies are namely: DPWH, MMDA, POEA, DOLE, DFA, BOI, PNP, LTFRB, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), BOC, DSWD, DILG, NBI, PSA, DENR, LRA, SSS, PRC, DepEd and Pag-IBIG.

With the recognition received by said government agencies, DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado also encouraged the DA personnel to follow their footsteps, putting more premium in the better delivery of service to agricultural stakeholders.

Through the occasion, CSC further called on government offices to champion ethics, accountability and integrity in building citizen-centric Philippine government.# (ATalib)

The agri dept in coordination with USSC distributes the fuel discount cards to around 1,286 qualified corn farmers from six municipalities and one city from Bukidnon province.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of its continuing effort to help ease the impact of rising oil prices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Corn program has allocated a total of P3.85-million worth of fuel subsidy to the third batch of corn farmers in Bukidnon province.

On September 19-21, around 1,286 qualified corn farmers from the municipalities of San Fernando, Don Carlos, Kibawe, Damulog, Kadingilan, Sumilao and Valencia City, received their fuel discount cards issued by the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC) worth P3,000 each.

According to DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the Fuel Discount program will help farmers lessen their expenses in corn production from land preparation to postharvest and processing activities to gas up their respective farm machinery.

Fuel subsidy beneficiaries can use their fuel discount card to purchase either gasoline or diesel from participating gas stations accredited by the Department of Energy, he added.

During the distribution, corn farmers have also expressed their gratitude as the program helps them in reducing their fuel costs, especially this corn’s harvesting and planting season.

To qualify for the fuel subsidy, corn farmers must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and included in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System, and an individual or his/her farmer’s cooperative or association must also own functional machinery with proof of ownership and must be further listed in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

Said fuel subsidy caravan will be held next in the province of Misamis Occidental starting on September 27, 2022. # (RDMElloren)

Representatives of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standard (BAFS) paid a courtesy visit to DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulations and Integrated Laboratories, Audy G. Maagad on September 26, 2022, on behalf of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

The BAFS personnel is on a one-week field data gathering assignment in Northern Mindanao relative to the development of an Explanatory Manual for the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code on Good Animal Husbandry Practice (GAHP) for Beef Cattle and Buffalo.

The team will be visiting identified cattle and buffalo farm owners/operators in the region on September 26-30, 2022, with the assistance of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA-10 in terms of coordination and data gathering support. # (ATalib)

Some 617 LDN corn farmers and fishers get their fuel discount cards loaded at P3K each to purchase gasoline or diesel to help them continue operating their farm machineries and motorized boats.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte – The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Corn program and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) distributed P1.851-million worth of fuel discount cards under the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk (FDFF) program to 617 qualified corn farmers and fishers of Lanao del Norte province to cushion the effect of escalating fuel prices in ensuring food security.

DA-Northern Mindanao (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes assured the farmers and fishers of the department’s production support, especially in terms of providing fuel subsidy to enable them to continue operating their farm machineries used in corn production from land preparation to postharvest activities as well as motorized boats for fishing operations.

Recipients consisted of 241 corn farmers and 376 fishers from the towns of Baroy, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Salvador, Kauswagan, Tubod, and Lala.

Each discount card was loaded with Php3,000.00, where farmers and fishers can purchase diesel or gasoline from any Department of Energy (DOE)-accredited gasoline stations.

FDFF beneficiaries must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), and included in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS) or registered under FishR, and own agricultural and fishery machinery with proof of ownership.

Previously, only corn farmers and fishers are eligible to receive the fuel discount vouchers under DA’s FDFF, but as per DA Memorandum Circular 32, DA now is increasing its recipients’ portfolio.

“The coverage of the fuel discount shall be expanded to include all agricultural commodities. The program will therefore cover all farm machinery with attached proof of ownership that is being used for crop production as well as motorized banca for fishing operations,” BFAR Provincial Fishery Officer for Lanao del Norte Noel M. Saldajeno explained.

Meolina G. Yorong, one of the recipients from the municipality of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, expressed that despite challenges on fuel price hikes and soaring prices of fertilizers, DA still found a way to assist and empower them as producers of food.

The FDFF Program created through Special Provision No. 20 of the General Appropriations Act of 2022, is implemented in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines, Universal Storefront Services, Corp., DOE, and local government units, among others. # (JCAnito)

Agri 10thru AMAD  convenes Buk’non veggie farmers for strengthened market linkages.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) recently spearheaded a consultation meeting for the planning and strategizing of market linkages for Bukidnon high value crop producers.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, DA-10 AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman cited that said province is a major contributor to the regional economy, being major producers of food and other agricultural products in Northern Mindanao (NorMin).

Accordingly, the activity set opened discussion on the prospects of value-adding through manufacturing or processing of vegetable and fruit products at the same time creating market linkages for Bukidnon high value crop farmers, Paraluman furthered.

Accounting their experience, NorMin Vegetable Producers Association (NorMin Veggies) president Marcelino Remotigue bared the importance of marketing cluster and the corresponding strategies they have employed, as working as a group of producers enable them in meeting market demand, cutting costs, and maximizing farmers’ income.

NorminVeggies is composed of individual producers, development foundations, corporate farms, farmers’ associations, farmers’ cooperatives, input and service providers, and institutional partners. Its aim is for a competitive vegetable industry growing high-valued commodities for both domestic and international markets.

Out from the meeting, a harvesting calendar was also drafted providing information on planting, sowing and harvesting periods of crops in specific agro-ecological zones to help farmer-producers in acting on informed decisions on crops production and proper market linkage by the agency.

Further, an interfacing session transpired with the different participating Bukidnon veggie farmers raising their issues and concerns revolving marketing. # (JCAnito)

Around 54 local farmers and corporate farm representatives undergo capabuild on GAP and Certification Protocols.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To gain entry in a more competitive market and to ensure safety and quality of farm produce, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regulatory Division, conducted a training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Certification Protocols, here in this city.

Around 54 local farmers and corporate farm representatives from the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Orriental convened for the two-day capabuild as part of their new or renewal application for PhilGAP certification.

According to DA-10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Audy G. Maagad, the activity aims to enhance farmer’s capability in adopting to GAP that addresses environmental, economic, and social responsibilities for on-farm processes that result in safe and quality food and non-food agricultural products.

Meanwhile, Agriculturist II Christine Jane L. Quiamco cited the advantages of having GAP certification among farmers, which includes the sustainability of farmers’ practice and wider market opportunities, among others.

Covered in the training course are discussions on Food Safety, GAP, Traceability System and Safe and Judicious Use of Fertilizer and Pesticides. #(RDMElloren)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed at fostering transparency and good governance, the Audit Team R10-34 of the Commission on Audit (COA) 10 conducted an Entrance Audit Conference with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) on September 13, 2022, in this city.

Milo D. delos Reyes, regional executive director of DA RFO-10, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of complying the rules and regulations set by COA.

“We have to submit for review all our financial transactions and operations for 2022, for us to know what to improve in handling various accounts and operations within the covered period and to ensure that finances were spent judiciously in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations as well.”

He further stated that, “we have to build a strong linkage and coordination with COA in order to work harmoniously for better delivery of services and interventions to our clients.”

Josie J. Rodriguez, State Auditor V of COA-10 lauded the agri department for their cooperation and participation to the conference that signals the start of the COA review covering the current year.

She explained that such yearly activity will serve as an avenue for the DA-10 management and the audit team to provide information and updates on the procedural requirements to ensure prudent use of government funds in line with the existing auditing laws.

Meanwhile, Nashiba L. Macaraob, State Auditor II and Acting Audit Team Leader, tackled on the basis for the conduct of audit that includes the Forms of Communicating the Terms of Audit Engagement and the Audit Focus Area.

Also discussed in the audit engagement are the monitoring of submissions; initial submission and audit queries, validation of implementation of prior year’s audit recommendation and specific audit instructions.

Macaraob further expressed her gratitude for DA’s responsiveness during her two-year stint as the state auditor of the agency, while further reminding the submissions of some inventories, plans and budget and other necessary documents for audit.

The conference parted with the commitment of DA management to follow and implement the recommendations of the audit team.

In attendance during the conference are the management committee members of DA- RFO 10. # (MGBS)

Agri dept 10 eyes to continue pouring agri assistance to 58IB PA to develop their food production areas while helping the FRs as well.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 12 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes met with the 58th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental to discuss agricultural-related programs and projects that they can possibly avail from the agency.

RED delos Reyes assured the visiting team headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, Infantry (General Staff Core) of the 58IB, PA, that the department will continue to help the group and its identified Former Rebel (FR) communities thru the provision of agricultural livelihood assistance.

This, he added, will help them develop their existing areas for food production and a viable source of income, while uplifting the lives of FRs as well.

Among the agri assistance previously granted to the 58IB are planting materials, vegetable seeds and poultry inputs through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program of DA.

Such interventions are also in support of Executive Order No. 70, instituting the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

Also present in the meeting is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, OIC-RTD for Research and Regulations Audy G. Maagad and DA-SAAD focal person Lana Mae S. Racines. # (RDMElloren)