DA-10, NEDA convene for remote sensing tech for rice prod’n monitoring and forecasting

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To improve the accuracy and reliability of rice production monitoring and forecasting, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) met with the National Economic and Development Authority – Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environment Staff (NEDA-ANRES) for a consultative meeting on March 3 at the agency compound.

The meeting focused on NEDA-ANRES’ ongoing study, “Optimizing the Use of Remote Sensing in Rice Production Monitoring and Forecasting (OUR RiceMaF),” which aims to enhance data harmonization, supply estimation, and forecast validation.

Key discussions included synchronizing data sources, refining rice supply estimates and projections, identifying gaps and limitations, and strengthening collaboration with data providers to improve the accuracy of yield forecasts.

NEDA-ANRES tapped the DA-10 to participate in the study due to its use of remote sensing technology as a key data source for monitoring rice production in the region.

With representatives from the DA-10’s Field Operations Division (FOD), both parties tackled on the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM), a satellite-based monitoring system used by the DA to track rice production.

The dialogue revolved on the PRiSM’s accuracy and timeliness in generating crucial data on planted rice area, seasonality, yield, and crop risks.

Launched in 2014, PRiSM is the first satellite-based rice monitoring system in Southeast Asia and has been a model for other countries in adopting technology-driven agricultural solutions.

By leveraging remote sensing technology for rice production monitoring, the agency enhances data-driven decision-making, improves yield forecasting, and strengthens food logistics aligning with the DA’s 10-point agenda particularly to advance digitalization in agriculture.

This supports the department’s goal of ensuring a stable food supply, modernizing the agricultural sector, and promoting efficiency across the rice value chain.

As part of the ways forward, DA-10 and NEDA-ANRES plan to hold another meeting to further develop strategies that contribute to data-driven agricultural planning and policy-making, ultimately benefiting local rice farmers and strengthening food security in the region.# (EJLG)

DA-NorMin joins women’s month celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In recognition of the invaluable contributions and achievements of women across all sectors, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) joins the celebration of the National Women’s Month this March.

This year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas ng Bagong Pilipinas,” aligns with the core goal of RA 9710, which aims to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equal access to resources and opportunities.

As part of the celebration, the agency organized a Walk of Fame honoring the winners of the regional and national Outstanding Rural Women search for FY 2021-2024, including:

Gerlie T. Vedra (2021): 1st place (regional) and 4th place (national)
Veronica I. Lastima (2022): 1st place – (regional) and 6th place (national)
Mylin V. Tayapad (2023): 1st place (regional) and (national)
Fe Q. Sangco (2023): 2nd place (regional)
Conception L. Ompoc (2024): 1st place (regional)
Venus C. Mariano (2024): 2nd place (regional)

The department, represented by Gender and Development (GAD) focal person, Berna Rhoda P. Barnido, also attended the kickoff ceremony spearheaded by the Gender Advocates NorMin, Inc. (GANI) in partnership with the Regional GAD Committee Region-10 (RGADC-10) and other line government agencies.

Through the DA-10’s GAD lead and participation, other activities are lined-up to commemorate such observance include the conduct of a photo contest, edible urban gardening training, and outreach program. # (MAC)

Agri-10, DAMPC promote urban gardening at Bayanga School

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a bid to empower local communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a training on Urban Gardening as part of its Adopt-a-School initiative with a partner cooperative, at Bayanga Elementary School on February 26, in Brgy. Bayanga, here.

Through the agency’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) in collaboration with the DA Multipurpose Cooperative (DAMPC), students were briefed on the importance of gardening in an urban setting and its nearby areas, in attaining food security and improving nutrition.

Led by NUPAP-10 Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, the activity also provided students with hands-on experience in planting different types of vegetables in small spaces to maximize limited resources.

Apart from the urban gardening demonstration, the DA-NUPAP 10 and the DAMPC represented by its Committee members and board of directors headed by its chair, Juliet B. Araos, likewise provided agricultural inputs. These include vegetable seeds, fruit tree seedlings, organic fertilizers, and gardening tools equipping the students for future agri-related projects.

Through the synergistic efforts between the DA-10 and DAMPC, the event targets to inspire the younger generation to pursue farming initiatives. # (AMBM, Photos supplied)

R-10’s organic agri proposals undergo deliberation

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON — Aimed at strengthening and empowering existing organic practitioners’ and farmers’ groups, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the Organic Agriculture (OA) program hosted the conduct on the finalization and deliberation of Organic Agriculture Livelihood Project (OALP) proposals for FY 2024-2026 recipients from February 25 to 28, in Dahilayan, here.

The activity sought to assess and discuss the different ideas and plans of the attending five farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) together with the assisting local government units (LGUs), as contained in the project proposals in implementing OALPs.

Per Memorandum Circular No. 45, Series of 2022, the OALP serve as a business integrator for organic farms, supporting input producers and suppliers, providing farm services, and acting as the consolidator and marketing arm for organic produce and products.

Invited were Malou Deriquito-Yasona, Development Management Officer III , and Lois Daniel Jacela, Project Development Officer I of the national OA program, who served as resource speakers and panelists for the said activity, promoting for a common understanding among the participants on project planning and aligning all efforts toward scaling-up organic agriculture in Northern Mindanao.

Drawing from the team’s expertise, the initiative is seen to thoroughly review the various aspects of the submitted proposals, considering their opportunities and challenges, with input from the concerned FCAs and the support of their respective LGUs.

Representatives from the LGUs of Bukidnon province, Malaybalay City, and Magsaysay town, and farmers from the Malaybalay City Organic Farmers’ Association (MACOFA), Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Multipurpose Cooperative (MINFARCO), Bahandi sa Bukid Association (BUKAS), Balingasag Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture (BISA), and the Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese were in attendance.# (MAC/Photos supplied)

RAFC-NorMin backs Panguil Bay Dev’t Council reactivation initiative

The Northern Mindanao Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC-NorMin) expressed its support for the reactivation of the Panguil Bay Development Council (PBDC) in a consultative meeting recently held in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The founding of the PBDC was attributed to the protection of the rich aquatic resources of Panguil Bay, which are of high economic significance for the fishery sector of the region.

After being dormant for some time, the PBDC reactivation this year is being spearheaded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10) and the Provincial Local Government of Lanao del Norte together with other key government and private organizations.

As an advisory body advocating the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk, the RAFC-NorMin is eyeing strategic collaboration to rally government and private stakeholders’ support in promoting sustainable fishery industry development for the benefit of the coastal communities dependent on the Panguil Bay’s resources.

Apart from the PBDC reactivation, the RAFC-NorMin’s consultative meeting also serves as an avenue for the discussion on the implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), programs and projects of the DA-Region 10, as well as updates and major issues and concerns of the different RAFC-NorMin’s sectoral committees, Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Councils (PAFCs) and Highly Urbanized Cities Agricultural and Fishery Councils (HUCAFCs).

Chaired by Nilda B. Salas, the RAFC-NorMin regularly convened for its consultative meeting to tackle pressing regional agri-fishery issues warranting policy resolution recommendation for the DA and other concerned government instrumentalities. # (ATT/Photo Credits: RAFC-10)

New Veterinarian IV of DA-10 takes oath

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Jose Apolly Y. Pacamalan administers the oath of Oryza Kristy B. Baylo for being promoted as the new Veterinarian IV of the agency on March 3, here.

Assisting Director Pacamalan are Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca and RTD for Operations, and also the Chairman of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, Carlota S. Madriaga.

Witnessing the ceremony are HRMPSB vice-chair, Patrick Ian F. Pedarse and staff of the HR section.# (CRS)

Agri-10 4K continues to aid IP orgs in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K), a special program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), continues to assist Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/Indigenous People (IP) farmers and fishers by helping them develop their ancestral lands through sustainable farming and boosting their livelihood, with consideration for the cultural traditions, beliefs, values, and laws of the community.

April Grace M. Racines, 4K program focal person of the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), shared this, in a recent episode of the “Usapang Agrikultura” aired over Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM, and reporting that at least 50 Indigenous People’s Organizations (IPOs) in Northern Mindanao have benefited since the program’s inception in 2020.

She explained that the program offers support across the agricultural value chain, including providing seeds, fertilizers, draft animals, machinery and equipment, and training, among other things, tailored to each community’s needs and resource gaps through a Community Needs Assessment (CNA).

Racines added that eligible beneficiaries for the program are those IPOs recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), or those who have or are in the process of securing their certificate of ancestral Domain Title, Land Title or Domain Claim (CADT/CALT/CADC).

“Eligible participants must be ready to engage in trainings or capacity building activities, and be willing to adopt new technologies, while also giving respect and recognizing what we call Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP).” the coordinator detailed.

For his part, Alvin P. Pantaon, one of the program beneficiaries and part of the 51-membered association from Sitio Mintapod, Hagpa, Impasugong, Bukidnon, lauded the efforts of the agri department in uplifting the conditions of their community.

Through the 4K program, they were capacitated on the different agricultural technologies, citing that their group has been trained on rice, corn, and tilapia culture, as well as provided with abaca stripping machines and livestock animals.

“We need to realize that we cannot just rely on what nature provides us for food, especially now that we have grown in numbers, and nature can no longer support the supply of food. So, we, the IP, need to adapt, continue, and be ready to cooperate.” Pantaon remarked, urging others to do the same and pursue agriculture.

On the beneficiary’s account, Racines also conveyed that the 4K program has collaborated with the DA-10’s banner programs and special project, including its attached bureaus and agencies, NCIP, the different local government units, and the Philippine Army in contributing to the program’s milestones.

Looking ahead, she shared that the 4K program plans to identify additional ICCs/IPOs to focus on for the year 2026-2028, with the goal of helping groups transition into enterprising organizations that can secure stable markets and create sustainable livelihoods in the long run.

“We are already working on crafting cluster development plans for select IPOs.” the 4K program coordinator concluded.# (JLO)

DA-NUPAP 10 capacitates PRC employees on hydroponics

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aiming to promote urban gardening, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) conducted an orientation on hydroponics for the employees of the Philippine Regulatory Commission-10 (PRC 10) on February 25, this city.

Around 30 PRC employees were briefed on the basics of hydroponics followed by a hands-on demonstration facilitated by NUPAP-10 Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo and Project Evaluation Officer I Geonara C. Abejero.

Camaddo highlighted the importance of sustainable farming practices such as hydroponics to contribute to food security, a nutrient-water based and space-efficient method of growing plants that could benefit people with little to no-gardening space.

As complement support to the participants, information collaterals on hydroponics were distributed, which includes a step-by-step guide and practical tips for starting their own hydroponic gardens. Additionally, each received a packet of 5-in-1 Sinigang vegetable seeds.

Said initiative also forms part of DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr’s ten-point agenda of achieving food security for the Filipino people through boosting local agricultural production and ensuring accessibility to affordable and nutritious food. # (AMBM/Photos supplied)

USec Oliveros leads visit to NorMin DA-PRDP subprojects

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary (USec) for Special Concerns and for Official Development Assistance for foreign Aid/Grant Jerome V. Oliveros visited two subprojects under the DA- Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) on February 24 and 25.

One of the subprojects visited is the Mantibugao – Minsuro Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon under the I-BUILD component which was turned over on February 3, 2022.

Engr. Joie Caesar M. Gaid, Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich Administrator, told USec Oliveros the positive impacts brought by the subprojects to the community such as lesser travel time, reduced post-harvest losses, and cheaper hauling cost.

Meanwhile, USec Oliveros visited the Dairy Milk Processing and Marketing Enterprise under the I-REAP Component in El Salvador City. This is managed by Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) and was turned over on March 21, 2023.

Learning the success of the cooperative, USec Oliveros advised NMFDC Chairman Robert B. Enerio to properly promote their story on a national level and said that their story can give motivation and inspiration to other proponent groups, especially those still starting to venture into dairy industry.

During his visit, USec Oliveros was assisted by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, along with several DA-PRDP staff.#

DA-10 hosts DA’s foreign-assisted projects assessment

Cagayan de Oro City – As a mechanism to review and assess the physical and financial performance of the DA’s foreign-assisted projects (FAPs), the Department of Agriculture Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance Division (SPCMAD) kicked off the FAPs 2024 year-end assessment, on Monday, February 24, here.

Hosted by the Department of Agriculture-Region 10 (DA-10), the assessment paved ways for pragmatic and programmatic dialogue pushing for strategic and collaborative implementation of the DA’s FAPs.

The assessment provides an avenue for multilateral discussion among the DA operating units, and FAP-implementing regional field units and DA-attached agencies and bureaus, to address issues, concerns and challenges in the FAPs implementation from the national to ground level.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan pushed for synergistic implementation of the DA regular programs and the FAPs to provide full-scale agricultural assistance to DA stakeholders.

The agri exec stressed that the DA’s resources should be strategically utilized to crank up farm gate prices of agricultural commodities.

DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Office – Foreign Aid/Grants, Jerome Oliveros urged the FAP-implementing units, agency and bureau of the DA to work together for the aligning of strategies, and strengthening of efforts toward agricultural development and modernization.

He underscored the need for collaborative initiative to accelerate productivity, enhanced market competitiveness, and improved livelihood in line with the department’s goal to attain food security.

The FAPs 2024 year-end assessment will be capped on February 28 after a site visit to DA’s foreign-funded project site at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) and Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.# (ATT/Photo credits: CRS)