DA-10 engages livestock-poultry industry players and students in forum, farm fair games during Nat’l Month celeb

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — Livestock and poultry industry stakeholders across Northern Mindanao convened last October 30-31 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, this city, to mark the 5th National Livestock and Poultry Month celebration.

Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Livestock Program, the festival drew attendance from various livestock and poultry stakeholders, Local Government Unit (LGU) veterinary offices, and nearby high schools and agriculture college studentsfrom various universities.

Bannered with the theme “Panagdur-as: Makabagong Kasanayan, Lakas ng Paghahayupan para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” the two-day gathering aims to catalyze industry growth, empower local producers, foster renewed private-public collaborations, and spark youth interest in agri-related programs.

DA Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit, Engr. Roger V. Navarro centered the discussion on the industry’s mechanisms towards productivity, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

In his report, he outlined the country’s commitments, particularly in waste management and regional trade.

“We must establish waste processing plants for livestock and poultry to generate organic fertilizer and power. Also, as part of our country’s commitment to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” the undersecretary said.

The agri official added that the agency is geared toward boosting beef production and strengthening export readiness within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), especially with Brunei.

Further, the festival showcased various farm fair games such as the Battle of the Brains, Barn Dance, Poster-Making, Egg-Pig-Chicken Catching, Putok-Batok Eating Contest, and Live-Weight Estimation.

Participants were high school students from Impasug-ong and Dalwangan National High Schools, and college students from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) – Sumilao Campus, Xavier University (XU), and Central Mindanao University (CMU).

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan expressed satisfaction with the student turnout.

“I am glad to see the students that are here to celebrate with us. The DA needs individuals like you who hold deep interest and appreciation for agriculture,” he remarked.

During the culmination, CMU emerged as the overall champion, followed by XU in second place and Impasug-ong NHS in third.

The event concluded with a field visit to the National Artificial Breeding Center (NABC), where students gained firsthand insights into various breeds of cattle.

The celebration aligns with the agency’s commitment to ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of livestock and poultry products, while bolstering industry competitiveness through regional trade, in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s acceptance of the ASEAN Chairship in 2026.# (BJCE)

DA-10 convenes LGU engineers, planners to rev up FMR Network Plans

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Sought to fast-track the actualization of priority FMR locations vital to advance agricultural development in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) staged a review workshop to expedite the finalization of local Farm-to-Market Road Network Plans (FMRNPs) on October 21-24, this city.

Engineers, planning and development officers, and designated FMR focal persons from provincial, municipal, and city local government units (P/M/CLGUs) across the region convened to accelerate the completion of their FMRNPs.

As stipulated in Section 52 of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (RA 8435), LGUs shall prioritize investments in FMR construction and allocate at least 10% of their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) as counterpart funding.

Thereby, the DA shall coordinate with the LGUs, as well as resident farmers and fishers, to identify priority FMR locations based on factors such as the number of project beneficiaries, expected agricultural productivity, and other prioritization indicators, including the estimated road influence area, agricultural potential, current road condition, average daily traffic, and climate change resilience/adaptation.

DA-NorMin emphasized that, all proposed road segments included in the FMRNP shall be encoded in the GeoAgri system, the centralized database for FMR projects nationwide. This platform helps prevent duplication and overlapping of road projects.

Based on the region’s 2023–2028 local FMRNP status report, 25 LGUs have submitted their write-ups, while 7 other LGUs have already secured approved resolutions from their respective Sangguniang Bayan (SB) councils.

Each municipality, city, and province is required to submit its completed FMRNP and the corresponding ordinance of endorsement within one month after the conclusion of the workshop.

The workshop was conducted in batches to provide focused technical assistance and detailed plan reviews for each LGU, scheduled as follows: October 21 for Bukidnon; October 22 for Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Cagayan de Oro City; October 23 for Misamis Occidental; and October 24 for Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

Also present in the workshop were representatives from the DOST, DILG, and DEPDev, who provided further technical guidance to LGUs in identifying, prioritizing, and validating their proposed road projects.

This move aligns with President Marcos’ pronouncement in his inaugural SONA to craft a National Network of FMRs that interconnects agri-fishery production hubs, aiming to reduce transport costs and improve logistics for Filipino farmers and fishers.# (BJCE)

Aggie-NorMin hosts first Mindanao IPs Summit to cap 2025 IPs’ month

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Field Office (Aggie-NorMin), capped the 2025 Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) Month celebration by hosting the first Mindanao Cluster Indigenous Peoples Summit on October 27-31, here.

The observance of the IP Month is enshrined in Presidential Proclamation No. 1906 of 2009, to celebrate and protect the rights, cultures, and heritage of the IPs.

With the theme “Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empower Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development,” the summit convened IP community leaders from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Socksargen and Caraga, to forge a unified stand for inclusive development amid diverse cultural background.

A plenary session highlighting the agri-fishery programs, projects, and services of the DA and its partner government agencies provided the IP leaders with fresh viewpoints for agricultural development in their respective communities.

Trademark agri-trade products from IP communities in Mindanao were exhibited in the week-long summit boasting the rich indigenous culture of the country.

The summit took to the stage traditional agricultural practices such as fire-making, corn shelling and stone grinding, and rice milling to honor indigenous agricultural knowledge.

To benchmark best practices of tribal communities in Northern Mindanao, the summit delegates visited the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain (AD) of CADT 106 in Malaybalay City.

The Daraghuyan AD expands within the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park with close to 400 hectares production areas for coffee, abaca, and other agricultural commodities.

Bukidnon Governor, Rogelio Neil P. Roque, DA-4K National Director Gilbert V. Baltazar, Aggie-NorMin OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, and OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Lana May S. Racines, graced the summit together with Bukidnon PLGU and Aggie-NorMin personnel and officials.

The first Mindanao Cluster IP Summit was organized by the Aggie-NorMin 4K Program, in partnership with the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) – Region 10, and the Indigenous Affairs Division of the Bukidnon Provincial Local Government.

Davao Region will host the Mindanao Cluster IP Summit in 2026. # (ATT/Photo Credits: NQA, KAC)

Malaybalay farmers receive PhP2.9-M farm tractor under DA-10 corn program

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — The 3,500 members of the Malaybalay City Corn Growers Association (MCCGA) are set to optimize their farm production with the grant of Php2.9-million 4-wheel drive farm tractor from the Department of Agriculture – Region X (DA-10), through its Corn Program on October 29, here.

The intervention, funded under the Agricultural Machinery, Equipment, Facilities, and Infrastructure Support Program (AMEFSS), has a 5-ton capacity and will be utilized across 4,000 hectares of farmland tilled by the MCCGA, with an additional 100 hectares slated for expansion.

Said equipment will play a crucial role in boosting mechanization efforts in the region, ultimately supporting the productivity and efficiency of local corn farmers.

This initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment in supporting the corn industry through the provision of modern agricultural machinery to strengthen the local food system. #(MAC)

Agri-NorMin conducts corn postharvest training in Buk’non

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — Aiming to strengthen the technical capacity of corn farmers and stakeholders in postharvest operations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted a one-day Corn Postharvest Training on October 30 in Barangay Casisang, this city.

The activity sought to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills on the proper operation, maintenance, and management of corn postharvest machinery and equipment to minimize losses and improve grain quality.

Corn is the country’s second most important crop next to rice, serving as both a staple food and a key input for livestock [and poultry] feeds. Despite its economic importance, the industry continues to experience significant postharvest losses due to inadequate handling practices and limited technical familiarity. A 2021 publication, Post-Harvest Technology in the Philippines, highlights that postharvest losses for corn range from 3.7 to 25 percent, averaging 12.7 percent nationwide.

During the training, participants were briefed on the corn postharvest system, including the anatomy and physical properties of corn kernels, causes and prevention of grain quality deterioration, and the principles and systems of postharvest operations such as drying, shelling, and milling. Sessions also covered proper maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and safety measures for postharvest equipment.

Facilitated by technical experts from the agency’s Corn Program, the activity brought together representatives from provincial and municipal local government units (P/MLGUs), corn farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), as well as DA-10 technical and support staff.

Through this capacity-building effort, the department continues to assist farmers and local stakeholders in adopting appropriate postharvest technologies that increase productivity, reduce grain losses, and improve income in the corn sector. The initiative also aligns with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to advance modern agricultural practices and strengthen postharvest systems to ensure food security and sustainability nationwide.# (EJLG/Photos Supplied: DA-10 Corn Program)

Farmers’ Field Day showcases Sustainable Land Management in corn-based sloping areas in Libona town

LIBONA, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA–10), in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Libona, showcased the implementation of the Sustainable Land Management in Corn-Based Sloping Areas (SLM-Corn) Project during a Farmers’ Field Day on October 29 in Barangay Capihan, this municipality.

The SLM-Corn Project — a priority initiative of the BSWM implemented in Northern Mindanao through DA-10 — promotes soil and water conservation practices in upland and hilly corn-based farming areas. Libona town is one of six pilot sites nationwide for the project, which aims to enhance corn productivity and improve farmers’ income through sustainable land management technologies and crop diversification.

The project benefits the Bubunawan Buganay Farmers Association, covering 20.03 hectares, with the first cropping season launched in July this year. To support its implementation, DA-10 provided essential agricultural inputs for the first season, including 40 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds, 100 bags of complete fertilizer, 60 bags of urea, and 40 bags of muriate of potash amounting to PhP528k. These inputs aim to enhance soil fertility, increase productivity, and strengthen the sustainability of corn-based farming systems.

Participants during the field day joined a technology demonstration tour featuring the use of maps, A-frame, trash lines, brush dams, hedgerows, vegetative barriers, alley cropping, and sediment traps. This provided farmers with hands-on experience and practical knowledge of soil and water conservation measures that prevent erosion, maintain soil fertility, and promote diversified cropping systems.

Acting Libona Mayor Tawing B. Woo expressed his gratitude to the DA-10 and BSWM for their continued support and commended the farmers for their cooperation.

“Tungod na sa inyong gipakita. Ang paningkamot ninyo nga makighiusa tang tanan. Gitabangan ninyo ang barangay ug gipakita ninyo sa mga opisyal nga mao ni inyong kinahanglanon dinhi,” Woo said.

(This is all because of what you have shown — your effort to work together and help the barangay. You have shown your officials that this is truly what your community needs.)

The local chief executive also urged the farmers to sustain the interventions, emphasizing shared accountability.

“Ampingan gyud nato ang inyong kwarta [pinaagi sa pag sustenir sa proyekto], atong kwarta kay kita man tanan ang taxpayers,” he added.

(We must take good care of this project and the funds entrusted to us, because this is your money — our money — as we are all taxpayers.)

Luz I. Guzman, DVM, chief of the Field Operations Division of DA-10, lauded the partnership among the DA-10, BSWM, the LGU of Libona, and farmer co-operators in implementing the SLM-Corn Project.

“Nalipay ko nga anaa mo ug niduyog gyud mo aning programa nga gi-initiate sa DA-BSWM,” Guzman said. “Palanggaon gyud ninyo ug inyong i-sustain kung unsa ang gihatag na project sa gobyerno — sabta nga para gyud na sa inyong kaayuhan.”

(I’m glad that you are here and have joined this program initiated by the DA-BSWM. You should value and sustain the project given by the government — understand that it is truly meant for your own benefit.)

“Kung mag-produce man gani ta, dili nato amung-amongan ang atong kinaiyahan. Mao ni ang tumong sa project — magmalambuon ang atong umahan nga dili madaot ang yuta [ug ma preserbar pa ang atong mga resources],” she added.

(Even as we strive to produce more, we must not harm our environment. The project’s goal is to make our farms productive without degrading the soil and to preserve our resources for the future.)

Meanwhile, Ace R. Abarro, Senior Agriculturist of BSWM, shared that the project also promotes crop diversification to raise farmers’ income and protect soil health.

“Layunin ng project natin, una, mapataas ang income ng mga farmers. Ang mga SLM technologies na itinuro natin, maliban sa nakakatulong laban sa soil erosion, ay pandagdag din po sa kabuhayan,” Abarro said. “Kasi dati, kung mais lang ang tanim, ngayon mayroon nang [iba] — corn plus coffee, calamansi, banana, tanglad, [rambutan at durian]. Ibig sabihin, maka-harvest siya sa corn at sa [anim] na commodity natin, habang napangangalagaan pa ang soil health.”

To further support the diversification efforts, DA-10 is currently in the process of procuring fruit tree planting materials, which will be distributed to farmer co-operators in the coming seasons.

Farmer co-operator Roselito Rosell remarked that the interventions have improved soil conditions and crop yields.

“Nagpasalamat mi sa gobyerno — DA-10, BSWM ug Local Government of Libona — sa ilang suporta. Kini nga proyekto dako kaayo’g tabang. Ang naay kwarta madugangan, ang walay kwarta, may kwarta na siya,” he said.

The event reaffirmed the collaboration among DA-10, BSWM, and the grassroots in promoting climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture. This is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen food security, promote science-based farming technologies, and ensure agricultural growth that leads to a better and more sustainable future for Filipino farmers. # (JLO)

DA-10 turns over Php8.4-M agri support to mark Impasug-ong town 1st Farmers’ Day Celeb

IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – Aiming to strengthen the agricultural development in the municipality, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 joins the celebration of Impasug-ong’s 1st Farmers’ Day and Agri-Serbisyo Caravan held on October 29, 2025.

DA Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Rural Credit Engr. Roger V. Navarro and DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan led the turn over of rice seeds and fertilizers worth PhP5.9 million and committed the grant of 1 unit Chicken Multiplier Farm Package worth PhP 2.4 million, in support to the municipality’s agricultural initiatives.

The interventions were received by Impasug-ong Mayor Jetaime A. Okinlay-Gumban.

The Farmers’ Day celebration was highlighted with a forum on coffee development in Bukidnon, an Oath-taking Ceremony of Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) members, an agri-fair showcasing local agricultural products, and a One-Stop Agri-Serbisyo Caravan offering government services and agricultural support. # (AMBM, photos supplied)

NorMin young agripreneurs vie for 2025 YFC awards

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aiming to boost innovation and enterprise development in the agri-fishery sector, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) gathered young agripreneurs from across Northern Mindanao for the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2025 business pitching held on October 28–29, this city.

The two-day event featured the presentation of agribusiness proposals from both start-up provincial-level and upscale regional-level contenders, highlighting the creativity, resourcefulness, and agri-entrepreneurial drive of the region’s youth.

15 start-up enterprises that participated at the provincial level include:

Production Category

*Oink Haven – Misamis Occidental
*Aliehsirk’s Chili Harvest – Misamis Occidental
*Melofresh – Misamis Occidental
*Cray Ground – Misamis Occidental
*Aquaharvest Tilapia Production – Misamis Oriental
*Sunnyquail – Misamis Oriental
*Somido Farm – Misamis Oriental
*The “No-Stink” Swine System: Enhancing Community and Comfort – Lanao del Norte
*CC Agri-Crop Production – Bukidnon
*Fin and Feathers Farm – Bukidnon
*JK Hog Fattening and Genetic Improvement Enterprise – Bukidnon
*Golden Goat Ranch – Bukidnon

Processing Category

*Northern Kuyamis Agricultural Ventures – Misamis Occidental
*Dragon’s Choice Route 955 – Misamis Oriental
*RNJ Savor Heritage – Bukidnon
*Meanwhile, enterprises that participated in the upscale regional judging include:
*Dream’s Arabica Coffee – 2023 YFC start-up provincial level awardee
*Procaffeinated Coffee – 2022 YFC start-up provincial level awardee
*Yanyen’s Food Product – 2021 YFC start-up provincial level awardee

Start-up applicants were evaluated based on entrepreneurial attributes, innovativeness of the business proposal, revenue stream, value addition, and social responsibility.

The upscale level were judged on the premised of creativity and business innovation, enterprise performance, social responsibility, business viability, and business sustainability.

Under the YFC program, provincial-level winners in the start-up category will receive a PhP80k grant to support the establishment and development of their proposed agribusiness ventures. Those who advance to the regional competition may receive an additional PhP150k, while the national-level winners can earn up to PhP300k in financial support.

For the upscale category, regional-level winners will be awarded PhP300k, and national-level winners may receive up to PhP500k to further expand their existing agribusiness enterprises.

The YFC Program, spearheaded by the DA – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) and implemented through the DA’s regional field office’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), aims to encourage the youth to engage in agriculture by providing financial and technical aid for proposed agri-enterprise projects.

The competition is open to Filipino youth aged 18 to 30 years old who are interested in pursuing agribusiness ventures — either as individuals or as a group — with viable proposals that contribute to local food production, value addition, and rural development.

Through this initiative, DA-10 AMAD enjoins the participants to continue their participation in agribusiness and strengthen their role in advancing the region’s agricultural sector.

This activity aligns with the directives of the current administration to promote youth engagement in agriculture and strengthen agripreneurship as a strategy toward achieving a food-secure and resilient Philippines. # (EJLG)

DA-proposed Rice Bill gains support from Mindanao rice stakeholders

Cagayan de Oro City – The administrative Rice Bill proposed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) has gained the support of Mindanao rice stakeholders after a consultative meeting on October 27, here.

Mindanao rice farmers, traders, millers and importers, local government units, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) from Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM, and policymakers manifested their support after a multi-party dialogue aimed at refining the proposed bill.

The DA-version rice bill seeks to reform the country’s rice industry by restoring calibrated state capacity, integrating Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and National Rice Program, rebuilding national extension support system, balancing consumer welfare and farmer share, sustaining domestic production and planting intentions, rebuilding and modernizing the NFA, and incentivizing private sector and value chain actors.

A key provision of the bill is the creation of the National Rice Security Council (NRSC) as the primary policy-making and coordinating body to ensuring stable, affordable, accessible, and sufficient rice supply in the country.

To unify all government efforts in scaling up the rice industry, the Bill espoused the creation of the Philippine Rice Industry Development (PRID) Program as the flagship initiative of the government to revolutionize the local rice sector.

Overall, the DA-proposed Rice Bill aims to improve the overall improvement of the rice value chain, and protecting rice farmers planting intention, with the end goal of increasing farmers’ income and productivity.

After the Visayas and Mindanao leg, the nationwide DA-proposed Rice Bill consultative meeting is set to be capped in its Luzon leg on October 28.# (ATT/Photo credits: BJCE)

DA-10 pushes for circular agriculture thru Black Soldier Fly tech, biofertilizer integration

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture Region 10 (DA-10), through its Corn Program, in collaboration with the Organic Agriculture Program, hosted a training on biofertilizer utilization integrated with Black Soldier Fly (BSF), on October 24, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Center (NMACLRC), here.

The training aims to promote sustainable farming practices by showcasing the use of biofertilizers, including those enhanced with BSF byproducts, to improve soil health and fertility.

Participating farmers were taught the benefits of utilizing biofertilizers on crops such as corn, cassava, soybean, and sorghum, as cost-effective solutions to mprove yield, reduce input costs, and protect the environment.

Richan D. Lacanaria, Senior Agriculturist of the Field Operations Division and Corn Program Focal Person, presented the Northern Mindanao corn industry situation report, emphasizing the importance of improving crop productivity through sustainable practices.

Organic Agriculture (OA) Program Report Officer, Marnie S. Suarez, outlined the program’s initiatives to further develop and promote organic agriculture in the region, highlighting the benefits of integrating innovative farming solutions using biofertilizers.

As resource speaker retired police official and renowned organic farming practitioner, Honorio S. Cervantes, shared his breakthrough experience with BSF technology.

He began experimenting with BSF in 2023 and has since advocated its potential for sustainable farming practices.

He emphasized that as soil fertility enhancer, biofertilizer reduce reliance on chemical inputs. The integration of biofertilizer, particularly those enhanced with BSF byproducts, is a vital step toward advancing circular agriculture.

Said training is part of the government’s sustained efforts to support local farmers, providing them with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable farming system.#(MAC)