Licensed ABEs from R-10 undergo a practical examination during their refresher course training on testing and evaluation of agricultural and fisheries machinery.

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – In efforts to further develop the technical capability of agricultural and biosystems engineers (ABEs), the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) has conducted a five-day refresher course training on testing and evaluation of agricultural and fisheries machinery in Northern Mindanao.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, licensed ABEs from said region who would be part of the pool of Certified Test Engineers authorized to perform testing and evaluation on agricultural and fisheries machinery have completed the Refresher Course on Testing and Evaluation of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery.

Of whom, seventeen are ABEs from the local government units (LGUs) in Region 10 (provincial LGUs of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, city LGUs of Valencia Malaybalay Gingoog, and Cagayan de Oro, and municipal LGU of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental); and staff from DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED).

Meanwhile, serving as resource speakers were from UPLB-Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) and BAFE-SRED (Standards Regulation and Enforcement Division).

In his remarks, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot stressed the crucial role of ABEs in modernizing the agriculture sector and the importance of multi-year planning for farm mechanization and infrastructure projects, thus the necessity of enhancing capability of the participating ABEs to implement changes in improving the agricultural sector.

BAFE-SRED Chief Engr. Janice Vargas tackled RA 10601, otherwise AFMech Law, to ensure the quality and safety of locally manufactured or imported agri-fisheries machinery, and further elaborating the need for certifying test engineers, accrediting of testing centers, and certifying agricultural and fisheries machinery.

An overview of DA Department Circular (DC) No. 4 (Accreditation Guidelines for Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery Testing Center) and DC No. 05 series of 2017 as amended by DC No. 10 series of 2018 (National Guidelines on Testing and Evaluation of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery) were also presented.

Meanwhile, Engr. Romulo Eusebio of UPLB-AMTEC pointed out the significance of testing and evaluation in relation to agri-fisheries machinery standards. “Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience, and must be aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits,” he said.

Still from UPLB-AMTEC, Engr. Elthon Turtor and Engr. Rhey Marc Albalos lectured on the Philippine National Standards/Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PNS/PAES); operations, specifications and methods of test for corn mill, corn sheller, and disc harrow attached to four-wheel tractor; and preparation and interpretation of test reports.

On top of the lectures, the trainees underwent actual performance testing of machinery focusing on corn mill, corn sheller, and disc harrow attached to four-wheel tractor at the same time were grouped for the preparation of test reports, the conduct of an open forum and presentation of test reports.

Further, an examination was administered for the certification of test engineers, wherein final grades will constitute 60% from their written exam and 40% from their practical examination.

Capping the activity, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga expressed her appreciation to the resource speakers from DA-BAFE and UPLB-AMTEC for their knowledge and expertise to enhance the capability of the mustered participants to become Certified Test Engineers, while underscoring the importance of acceptance testing to ensure the quality and durability of any farm machinery procured by the government.# (Marshall Louie Asis)

The municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon receives P1.5-M financial grant assistance under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa to boost the LGU’s food terminal activities.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure food commodities are made available and accessible in high consumer demand areas, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over P1.5-million in check to the local government unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon at the agency compound.

The grant is under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance program intended for the purchase of a hauling truck to intensify the LGU’s food terminal activities in selling different agricultural products of assisted farmer-producers, which are handled by its women’s group.

Leading LGU Manolo Fortich in receiving the check is Committee on Agriculture Vice-Chairman Councilor Elzevir A. Dagunlay; Gemma G. Cania, municipal agriculturist; Zorayda Lozada, municipal treasurer; and Maribeth Barrio, the Kadiwa project in-charge, in the presence of DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe. # (MPMTablon)

Agri NorMin joins the RTF-ELCAC serbisyo caravan and turns over agri support worth over 2.4-M to Brgy. Bacayawan, Munai, Lanao del Norte.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict – Northern Mindanao (RTF-ELCAC NorMin), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) poured agricultural interventions worth over P2.4-million during the Serbisyo Caravan in barangay Bacayawan, Munai, Lanao del Norte (LDN) on September 13, 2022.

In partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the activity is a joint initiative of the provincial government of LDN and the municipal local government of Munai with the participation of different national government agencies (NGAs), which aims to uplift the economic status of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) community in Munai town.

Comprising said interventions that were handed over to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Philippine Army (PA) were: 13 units of rice thresher (P134K each), and 3 units of corn sheller (P149,500 each).

Likewise, the municipal local government of Munai also received planting materials (Robusta coffee seedlings), seeds (inbred rice, Open-Pollinated Variety white corn, and assorted vegetables), organic fertilizers, and knapsack sprayer amounting to P243,312,50.

On top of the cited agri interventions, the department, through the Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) also gave away packets of Trichoderma harzianum, a biological control agent formulated by RSL to treat the soil from fungal pathogens causing various fungal plant diseases.

LDN Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza Dimaporo expressed her appreciation to all the participating NGAs, who brought and extended various services to the MILF community.

She added that the activity is part of the Especial Mass-Based Program, where the provincial government conveys government assistance closer to the grassroots community for them to benefit.

“I assure you that such activity will be conducted regularly in Munai to cater the needs of indigent people, particularly the MILF in Bacayawan; thereby, achieving peace and development, while preserving the rich culture of Muslim communities in LDN,” Gov. Dimaporo emphasized.

Meanwhile, MILF Base Commander Aleem Ansari T. Murad is grateful for the government support, and hopes for more infrastructure projects such as concreted roads to reduce the farmers’ transport cost and postharvest loses.

Under Executive Order No. 70, RTF-ELCAC is a collaborative effort of NGAs and local governments, which targets to address the root causes of insurgencies and other armed conflicts and threats in isolated and geographically disadvantaged areas across the country.

On behalf of DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes, Provincial Operations Center chief for Lanao del Norte, Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo handed over the certificates of turnover to Munai Municipal Mayor Racma D. Andamama and Brigade Commander Rey B Alemania of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, PA.# (EMBentulan, Jr.)

Kape Maramag receives a unit of mini chainsaw to boost their coffee farming operations in Maramag, Bukidnon.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 headed by OIC – Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes handed over 1 unit of mini chainsaw to Kape Maramag, Inc. at the agency compound on September 12, 2022.

The mini chainsaw was received through the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Maramag president Estila A. Achas, who noted that the unit will be greatly helpful for farmers in pruning their coffee plants.

Funded under the High Value Crops Development program, said agri intervention aimed to boost the coffee farming operations of Maramag town.

Back in 2012, DA-10 funded for the establishment of a coffee roasting facility through RIC Maramag, the mother organization of Kape Maramag, as part of reviving the coffee industry in the region. # (MPMTablon)

Corn farmers from the municipalities of Gitagum and Alubijid, Misamis Oriental receive their fuel discount cards valued at 3K each.

GITAGUM, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – A total of 660 corn farmers from the towns of Gitagum and Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, received fuel subsidies totaling to P1.98-million from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Corn Program on September 13, 2022.

In coordination with the Universal Storefront Services, Corp., the fuel discount cards each valued at P3K were distributed to 104 qualified corn farmers from Alubijid and 556 from Gitagum.

Said granted assistance will be means to purchase gasoline or diesel fuel by farmers from any accredited gasoline station amid the rising prices of said products.

Eligible beneficiaries are those individuals or members of farmers’ associations registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and are listed in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS).

They or he/she must own functional farm machineries with proof of ownership.

Lilibeth M. Pamisa, one of the beneficiaries from the municipality of Gitagum, conveyed her gratitude for the department’s initiative in providing fuel subsidies to farmers, which is a huge help for them to lessen their production expenses.

The next leg of distribution is set on September 15, 2022 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. # (MPMTablon)

Agri 10 employees join the greening tree planting activity in celebration of President BBM’s 65^th birthday, which also falls in the month of September, as it observes the Philippine Bamboo Month.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To help mitigate the impact of climate change, employees from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes joined the nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity on September 13, 2022 in sitio Camarahan, barangay Pagatpat, this city.

The greening tree planting activity is in celebration of the 65th birthday of President and DA secretary Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., bearing the theme: “Buhayin ang Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan.”

More than 240 bamboo planting stocks [Giant variety] were planted on site that will help improve biodiversity, and provide alternative source of livelihood for the community.

Said conduct of bamboo planting is also in time this month of September, as it celebrates the Philippine Bamboo Month per Proclamation No. 1401 signed by former President Duterte.

Spearheading the event is the Department of the Interior and Local Government, with the participation of the agriculture department, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, other national government agencies, civil society organizations, and volunteers. # (RDMElloren)

High-value crop farmers of Brgy. Lupiagan, Sumilao, Bukidnon are eyed to benefit from the recently turned over P1.8-M SPIS funded by DA-10.

SUMILAO, BUKIDNON – Around 39 high-value crop farmers of barangay Lupiagan in Sumilao, Bukidnon will benefit from the solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10).

DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes turned over the P1.8-million worth of SPIS to Sumilao Mayor Jose Antonio A. Villo on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

The project was designed to irrigate rainfed high-value crop production using solar-powered pump irrigation.

The 5-horsepower pump with 20 pieces of solar module can irrigate around 15 hectares of potential production area and 50 hectares of rainfed area.

Barangay Lupiagan with an estimated elevation of 1,263.5 meters above sea level is rich with high-value crops such as carrots, potatoes, cabbage, Chinese pechay, and is the third IMTASULA town to receive the SPIS from the department.

Sumilao is one of the towns in IMTASULA Complex or Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan, a major vegetable and high-value crop production area in Northern Mindanao.

Beatriz P. Omonlay, a farmer-member of the Sumilao Farmers Indigenous Association (SUFIA) shared that it costs her before around P70,000 to procure a hose to water her farm where the water source is from Mt. Kitanglad.

“The project is a big help to the farmers in irrigating more productive areas in producing high-value crops, aside from reducing their labor and costs,” said Sumilao Mayor Jose Antonio A. Villo.

The project is funded under the High-Value Crops Development Program of the department to boost food security.#(ATC)

Agri dept 10 convenes with Pilmico to discuss on how to tap more FCAs in the region to have a marketing tie-up with said company.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Supporting farmers in commanding decent prices for their corn harvest, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes convened with the officials from Pilmico Foods, Corp. to explore more farmers cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in Region 10 to forge a marketing agreement with said company.

Pursuing such initiative will not be a first for Pilmico, the food and agribusiness subsidiary of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. as they have engaged with FCAs in Northern Mindanao and is eyeing to tap more farmer-groups for their inclusive sourcing project for corn.

As early as 2018, DA-10 Corn program focal person, Richan D. Lacanaria bared, that the agency has linked the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative (MARBFC) of Manolo Fortich, to serve a portion of Pilmico’s corn requirements for the production of animal feeds.

Dir. delos Reyes further noted that the marketing agreement has not only helped the Coop, but also other Bukidnon corn farmers as MARBFC has employed the ‘big brother-small brother’ marketing strategy.

“As the big brother, MARBFC acts as a consolidator buying the produce of its members and from other nearby cooperatives, to assist small corn farmers in selling their produce to Pilmico,” he added.

Citing the mutual gains for said undertaking, another round of meeting will ensue with prospective FCAs to ink a marketing agreement with Pilmico.

Heading the Pilmico team in said visit is Norie Bermudez, vice president and country manager for feeds, along with other key personnel: Teddy Deocares, vice president for supply chain; Florencio Sabandal, vice president for operations-flour; Maria Theressa N. Castillo, external relations manager; and Kat Mercado, manager. # (JCAnito)

Agri NorMin turns over the P7.11-M seed storage at Nutriland, Purok 2 in barangay Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon mainly intended for the storage of rice seeds and other farm inputs.

Valencia City, Bukidnon, September 8 – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) through OIC- Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes led the turnover ceremony of the P7.11-million seed storage situated at Nutriland, Purok 2 in barangay Pinatilan, this city.

Said facility has a total floor area of 320 square meters with a 99 ton-capacity cold chamber (160 square meters) primarily for the storage of rice seeds and 156 tons for the ambient (160 square meters) area.

RED delos Reyes noted, that the structure will not only be useful for rice but also for the depository of fertilizers and other farm inputs that the city is set to receive from the department.

Likewise, he urged the local government of Valencia City to create an Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Division to help in the upkeep of the farm machinery they have acquired.

In response, Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas expressed her gratefulness for the interventions poured to the city by DA-10 and pinned her hopes for the department’s continuous support mentioning that the city is an irrigated and diversified agricultural area.

The local chief executive added that the city also has a 14-hectare land intended as a farm demonstration area to showcase the production of various agricultural crops and farming practices of the city and Bukidnon as well.

Reportedly, out from the city’s 63,126 hectares, 30,000 hectares is suitable for agriculture, wherein 11,000 hectares is particularly tilled for rice production with around 5,855 rice farmers.

Apart from the seed storage dwelling in Nutriland, which refers to the lot devoted for the nutritional programs of the city, it also houses the P4.3-million warehouse. Of which, both projects are implemented under DA-10’s Rice program.

Also gracing the activity is Valencia City Agriculturist Connie L. Dalangan and other LGU personnel, and DA-10 staff. # (EMBentulanJr.)

DA-10 headed by OIC-RED delos Reyes together with banner program focals and representatives convene with USDA for a likely partnership to boost the region’s various agricultural commodities.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 7 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes with the Field Operations Division (FOD) chief Dr. Luz I. Guzman and banner program coordinators welcomed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service, Agricultural Attaché Mark Hanzel and Agricultural Specialist Lary Nel B. Abao at the agency compound.

The USDA team’s visit is to learn and discuss on DA-10’s Corn, Rice, Livestock and High Value Crops Development programs for potential collaboration and partnership to boost the region’s agricultural commodities.

Part of their visit was in Bukidnon province for the DA-assisted Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative and CJ Feeds Philippines, who buys a portion of said coop’s harvest, of which both are situated in Manolo Fortich town. # (RDMElloren)