DA-NorMiN holds turnover ceremony for RAC-ADCE chairmanship

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Regulatory Division and Livestock Program, conducted a turnover ceremony for the chairmanship of the Regional Advisory Committee for Animal Disease Control and Emergency (RAC-ADCE) on Thursday, April 3, at the agency compound, here.

The event marked the official transition of leadership in the region’s animal health sector, with outgoing RAC-ADCE Chair and Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock, Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, administering the oath of office to the new RAC-ADCE Chair, Rodner A. Tuquib, DVM.

RAC-ADCE is a multi-sectoral advisory body dedicated to the prevention, control, and eradication of significant animal diseases. The committee plays a key role in policy formulation for the livestock and poultry industries and ensures a coordinated response to animal health emergencies.

Comprising representatives from both government and private sectors, the RAC-ADCE includes officials from the DA, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), and local government veterinarians, along with stakeholders from veterinary associations and livestock producers.

Also present during the event were the agency’s Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, other DA-10 key officials, and members of the RAC-ADCE.

Under the new leadership, the committee aims to further strengthen biosecurity measures and enhance collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the livestock sector in Northern Mindanao.# (EJLG)

Aggie 10 launches regionwide soil sampling, testing drive in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie 10) officially commenced its regionwide soil sampling and testing drive in Northern Mindanao following the soil sample collection and ground geotagging on March 26-28 in four sites in Misamis Oriental.

The towns of Sugbongcogon, Binuangan, Magsaysay and Gingoog City were identified as the pilot soil health monitoring sites for rice and corn production areas, being the staple agricultural commodity in the region.

This initiative was espoused by Aggie 10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan in accordance with the National Soil Health Program (NSHP) of the government, to increase crops productivity and augment farmers’ income by promoting the adoption of proper and balanced soil fertilization practices.

In early March, the Aggie NorMin technical personnel from the Field Operations Division undergo technical upskilling and retooling for soil sampling, collecting and processing before field surveys begin.

Particularly, the personnel were capacitated on qualitative soil analysis to assess soil pH levels, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents to come up with a viable fertilizer recommendation.

Soil fertility analysis is a science-based farming tool enabling farmers to effectively strategize for agricultural productivity and soil-crop compatibility.

In coordination with the Provincial/City/Municipal Agriculture Offices, the Aggie 10 targets to round up the soil sampling and testing in priority sites across the region in May, in time with the wet cropping calendar. # (ATT/Photo credits: CAB)

DA-10 pushes digitalization, apprises LFTs on online reporting system

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — Working toward a technology-driven agricultural sector, Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) from Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon provinces convened for an orientation on digitalization at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, here.

On March 27, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) introduced the “LFT Management and Information System Monitoring,” equipping the region’s trained partners in agricultural development the knowledge to leverage technology for a more efficient reporting of agricultural activities on the ground.

Noel M. Degamo, DA-10’s information technology consultant, provided LFTs with insights into the online reporting system, which allows them to track and report data such as crop production, planting and harvest dates, projected yields, and other vital agricultural concerns.

For his part, DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, emphasized the agency’s commitment to improving delivery of services by collaborating with manufacturers and/or suppliers to address any agri machinery and equipment concerns, thus enjoining LFTs to submit reports pertinent to such matters.

With this start-up online reporting system, the DA-10 eyes to monitor real-time challenges of its service and intervention deliveries, which provide opportunities to fine-tune solutions and align them with agricultural needs.

The LFTs from Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental are set to attend another session in April to be held in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, further expanding the digitalization initiative of the DA-10.# (BJCE)

DA-F2C2 10 signs MOU with LGU Talakag, XUCA, farmer groups and financial/institutional buyer

TALAKAG, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao through its Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (DA-F2C2 10) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC), Local Government Unit (LGU) of Talakag, Xavier University – College of Agriculture (XUCA), and the Lirongan High Value Vegetables Farmers Association (LIHVVFA) on March 24, at the Talakag Municipal Hall, here.

Essentially, DA-10 and the involved parties agreed to form the Site Working Group (SWG) tasked to formulate policies and guidelines, coordinate with partner agencies and institutions, and to facilitate, monitor, and document the implementation of the agro-enterprise development program anchored on the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA).

Said approach aims to organize farmers into clusters, helping them develop business plans to establish collective farming enterprises.

Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, Regional Executive Director of the DA-10, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts aimed at scaling up agricultural productivity in Northern Mindanao. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting farmers by ensuring access to the latter’s preferred seeds, essential inputs, logistics, and facilities to facilitate weekly planting and efficient delivery of produce to target markets.

For its part, XUCA will provide technical support to the LIHVVFA related to agro-enterprise development and the use of appropriate agricultural production technologies through coaching and training sessions.

“Through this partnership, the department is guided on infrastructure, processing, logistics, and other forms of assistance that can be reinforced with the appropriate resource collaboration with Lamac MPC and XU, while also looking at how we can improve our existing commitment to develop farmer groups in Talakag,” the agri chief exec conveyed.

“I encourage farmers to work with us and share their needs because the agency has the resources to support them and ensure that their produce does not go to waste during harvesting,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lamac MPC will coordinate and monitor marketing support activities, deploy an agro-enterprise field facilitator, prepare agro-enterprise progress reports, and provide financial support for organizing and training farmers. In turn, it will update the SWG partners on the progress and status of their plans and activities.

As the recipient of agro-enterprise initiatives, LIHVVFA chairperson Jobert B. Layocan shared: “One of my biggest accomplishments was establishing a farmers’ association, and after five years, we’re still going strong. When the F2C2 team joined, they’ve taught us the importance of collaboration. Even with large volumes, farmers cannot succeed unless we work together. I am grateful for our partners working with us to market our product.”

Also present in the MOU signing were Arch. Richard M. Obaner of Lamac, Talakag Municipal Administrator Alberto S. Bigcas, F2C2 focal person, Gay Nanette M. Aleria, Glenda T. Orlanes, PhD of XUCA, and other DA-10 staff. # (MAC)

DA-10, 4K nat’l team monitor subprojects in 7 IP orgs in Buk’n

BUKIDNON – In a bid to assess the sustainability of DA-4K-supported projects and the development of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC)/Indigenous Peoples (IP) organizations, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) National Program Management Office (NPMO) and DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10 4K) deployed two teams for a series of subproject monitoring activities in the province.

From March 24 to 28, the teams visited a total of 7 organizations, which is part of a nationwide monitoring effort to refine the DA’s special program in the provision of agricultural inputs and technology packages tailored to the needs of the IPs.

The team for the towns of San Fernando and Quezon, led by DA-4K Agriculturist II Gilbert A. Apa-ap and 4K-NPMO PDO II Arceli C. Walan, visited the following ICC/IP orgs:

Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalog Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) – San Fernando
Kolamanen Manobo Tribe Association (KOMANTRAS) – Quezon

Meanwhile, the team for the municipality of Impasug-ong, led by DA-10 4K community development officers Anna Mae B. Guinto and Jonalyn J. Setienta, alongside 4K-NPMO Project Evaluation Officer II Alfie R. Yamugan, visited the following ICC/IP orgs:

Minlanaw Highland Farmers Association (MINHIFA)
Grupo Hu Nagkasabwa Hu Mga Mag-uuma sa Mahan-ao (GRUNAMAMA)
Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association
Mahagwa Buligay Farmers’ Association
Kahugpongan Association

Both teams were joined by agricultural extension workers (AEWs) from the concerned local government units to ensure a coordinated and participatory assessment process.

During the field visits, the teams inspected the proper utilization of turned over agricultural provisions under the 4K program, including horses, carabaos, and abaca seedlings, decorticators, and strippers, all aimed at supporting the IPs’ crop production and farm mechanization needs.

“The 4K program granted us six horses, and one has already foaled, increasing our total to seven. Our aspiration is for each member to have a horse, which will ease the burden of hauling our harvests from every farm,” said Chriseel Rodel Tilocan, president of the Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association in Impasug-ong town.

Further, the Kahugpongan Association’s proposal to transition into a farmers’ cooperative aligns with their Community Development Plan, aiming to boost rice farming by having each member tend to their own farm. By pooling resources, members of the future coop can easily benefit from modern farming techniques, quality seeds, and advanced technologies, enabling them to expand into bigger and more lucrative markets.

Following the five-day monitoring activities, an exit conference with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga was held. “Our goal is to provide agricultural interventions while ensuring that their culture is preserved,” said Madriaga.

The teams, together with the agri official, discussed key findings and proposed solutions based on the needs of the ICC/IP orgs.

Further, the 4K NPMO will continue monitoring activities in other regions. The findings from the different visits will be consolidated into a report that will guide future policies and funding allocations under the DA-4K program.# (BJCE)

Bukidnon towns to benefit from climate resilience agriculture project

MALAYBALAY CITY – Aiming to increase the climate resilience of rural communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a Project Briefing and Orientation of Adapting Philippine Agriculture (APA) to Climate Change Project on March 27, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, here.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca shared the overview of the program, noting its aim of increasing resilience in agriculture and fishery areas vulnerable to climate change through Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) services.

Funded under the Green Climate Fund through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the project will be implemented by DA in collaboration with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

With Region 10 being one of the 5 pilot regions in the country, the briefing gathered relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Bukidnon and its twelve pilot municipalities, namely: Baungon, Cabanglasan, Dangcagan, Damulog, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Maramag, Pangantucan, Quezon, and San Fernando.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan emphasized the importance of aligning the APA project with the department’s ongoing agricultural programs to maximize its impact.

He further urged the towns to develop Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development Plans that are specifically tailored to support CRA practices to enhance their agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Following the orientation, the regional APA team will conduct Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to identify the specific problems related to climate change within the pilot municipalities that require targeted CRA interventions. # (AMBM, Photos supplied)

52 sites in NorMin mapped for National Soil Database

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In addition to the 40 sites mapped by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) for the National Soil Database in 2024, another 52 priority areas across 5 provinces in Northern Mindanao has been mapped anew this year.

After an 18-day field survey and ground geotagging of the 52 upland towns in the region, a team from the DA-BSWM Soils Survey Division, led by Bella Noceda, DA-BSWM Senior Agriculturist, presented the team’s initial findings and recommendations to the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) management in an exit conference Friday, March 28.

Preliminary observation suggests that soil in the surveyed highland areas are generally acidic, thus the DA-BSWM discourage farmers’ use of ammonium sulphate. Instead, it is recommended for farmers in the surveyed areas to adopt balanced soil fertilization primarily by utilizing organic fertilizer.

Further, the DA-BSWM is amenable to the establishment of demo farms to showcase proper fertilization and soil-crops suitability.

Soil samples collected from the Soil Health Monitoring Sites (SHMS) in the region will be subjected to laboratory tests to determine the soil condition in the subject localities to help farmers understand the health and nutritional needs of their farm lands.

Lana May S. Racines, DA-10 Chief of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED) said the DA-10 management echoes the DA-BSWM’s stand in advocating soil health. She bared that the DA-10 is currently mobilizing regionwide soil sampling and testing as an initiative to guide farmers in proper fertilization to increase their production. .

Moreover, she also cited that the agency is scaling up its organic agriculture program implementation in the region by promoting organic rice and corn farming.

As part of the government’s National Soil Health Program (NSHP), a nationwide soil mapping is being undertaken by the DA-BSWM to design a National Soil Map as a tool for countrywide promotion of sustainable soil resource management, increased crop productivity, and improved farmers’ income.# (ATT)

DA-10, PhilRootcrops discuss potential of sweet potato as alternative staple food, plans underway

In support to the campaign toward achieving food sufficiency in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, pushes to strengthen the sweet potato industry as an alternative source for staple food.

This was discussed during the initial meeting with Philrootcrops director Marlon M. Tambis and the X Agricultural Cooperative (XAC), formerly known as Food Processors’ Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN), at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on March 27.

Centered on the meeting are the drafting of a research proposal on Sweet Potato as Rice for implementation come 2026; focusing on the production of Philrootcrops-sourced planting materials per market demand; targeting clustered farmers in the production of raw materials for processing; and accrediting XAC as source for planting materials with emphasis in the identification of strategic practices for quality control from planting to processing as well as the submission of a business model, for potential tie-up with either of the DA’s ACPC, PRDP, HVCDP, or KADIWA.

Locally known as camote, sweet potato contributes 5.5 percent or a total of 10,772.85 metric tons production volume of selected major vegetables and rootcrops in Northern Mindanao based on the PSA data during the first quarter of 2024.# (MGBS)

Agri-10 provides agri support to Quezon town-based IP coop

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Allying with the Indigenous People (IP) to expand region 10’s agricultural lands, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) provided various agricultural inputs to Gamot Dumasilag Tribal Agricultural Cooperative (GDTAC) of Brgy. Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon.

On March 25, at the agency compound, here, DA-10 headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan handed over vegetable seeds package, consisting of 2 foil bags of pole sitao and kangkong apiece, 4 cans of okra, eggplant, pechay and hot pepper apiece, and 3 cans of squash and snap beans apiece to Datu Kennedy Linongcay, GDTAC chairperson, in the presence of HVCDP Coordinator, Kersten S. Pagalan and Joel S. Rudinas, DA-10 technical consultant.

On behalf of his fellow IP community members, Linongcay conveyed his gratitude to the department, noting that the provisions will help them diversify their source of food production and livelihood beyond rice and corn farming, at the same time aid them to sustain their Gulayan sa Tugkaran Program.

Further, the tribal leader lauded the collaborative efforts of the local and national governments, as it is the first time the 35-membered GDTAC, cultivating 60 hectares, has received agri assistance from the agency.# (JLO)

DA-10 caps off women’s month celeb

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Region X (DA-10), through its Gender and Development (GAD), concluded its Women’s Month celebration, underscoring the significant contribution of women to rural development on March 24, here.

The month of March is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in society. To honor this occasion, the department convened the outstanding rural women awardees to share their success stories, offering a platform to draw inspiration and learnings to take on an active role toward agricultural progress.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized that while farming can be a challenging profession, women can take charge and lead in their respective communities.

“The goal is not just inclusion but true empowerment. Women should not only be participants in agriculture — they can be at the forefront, empowered to pursue their potential,” she added.

The activity featured regional awardees: Mylin V. Tayapad, Fe Q. Sangco, Ma. Concepcion L. Ompoc, and Venus C. Mariano, along with former DA Employees Association President, Lourdes P. Rudinas, 2021 and 2023 YFC regional awardee, Maydene V. Demesana, and was attended by some members of the DA Women Employees Association (DAWEA), other DA-10 staff, and representatives from the DA’s attached agencies.# (MAC)