DA-10, FICCO and LGU Talakag eyes for the conduct of a MOA signing for implementation of said town’s food terminal operation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Ahead of the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the operation of the regional food terminal in Talakag, Bukidnon, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), together with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Talakag and the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) met on Tuesday, March 12, to tackle priority plans and directives for the said undertaking.

The regional food terminal is a P14 million state-of-the-art facility which includes cold storage and refrigerated van.

The facility is anticipated to reduce middlemen’s participation in the value chain by providing direct linkage between the consumers and farmer-producers.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the agency is hoping to proceed with the MOA signing as soon as possible so that the terminal can fully operate, and help farmers generate more income by providing them ready market for their produce while helping them extend their products’ shelf life.

He added that the regional food terminal will also provide fresh, affordable, and quality products to the consumers.

The MOA signing was tentatively scheduled within March this year, to be held in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon where the facility is located.

Similarly, a Management Contract signing will also be held simultaneously for the P20-M monolithic dome-type cold storage and packing in Cagayan de Oro City.

FICCO was identified by the LGU as a partner in managing and operating the said facilities.

This is also in line with FICCO’s goal to expand their business through Agri-ventures.

Also present in the meeting are LGU Talakag Municipal Administrator Alberto Bigcas, FICCO Social Enterprise Consultant Apollo Pacamalan, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga along with DA-10 staff. # (CRS)

Agri-10 headed by RED Collado manifests to support the Nutrition Council’s G4 initiatives.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure improved nutrition outcomes and achieve food security in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado committed its support to the National Nutrition Council-10 (NNC-10) for their search for the best Garden of Go, Grow, and Glow (G4) initiatives on March 11 at the agency compound.

The NNC-10 will conduct a regionwide search for outstanding G4 implementers in support of RDC-X Resolution No. 7, series of 2018 entitled “Supporting the Revival of the G4 Initiative,” which will be implemented by the Local Government Units (LGUs) involving household-level gardens.

Leading the team from NNC-10 is Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, who expressed the council’s intent to the agri officials for the availment of possible support toward the implementation of said competition.

As the council’s partner agency toward nutritional advocacy for Filipinos, Dir. Collado commited to provide NNC-10 with some garden tools, seeds, seedling trays, plastic crates, plastic drums, and organic fertilizers for the activity.

“The initiative supports the region’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, as well as to promote sustainable agriculture, ensure healthy lives, and promote well-being for all at all ages,” Fernandez conveyed.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga suggested that the initiative be carried out in a 100-square-meter area, where varieties of vegetables will be showcased using different farming technologies within household premises.

Likewise, she pinned her hopes for the success of the activity that will serve as a platform for learning and personal growth, with people of all ages gaining new knowledge and skills about gardening and sustainable practices.

The G4 initiative is a banner project of the Regional Nutrition Committee-X in July 2005 and is fully supported by the Regional Development Council-X through Resolution No. 33, series of 2005 as a practical strategy for food security to counter malnutrition and improve nutrition status.

Present during the meeting are HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan and Regional Nutrition focal person Reggie T. Vivas of DA-10, and Sheena Marie T. Abellanosa, Nutrition Officer III from NNC-10.# (RDME)

DA-10 through AMIA hosts a training to equip farmers with knowledge and skills to navigate and adapt to climate change.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to promote sustainable agriculture and mitigate the impacts of climate change, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) recently conducted a four-day Training on Climate Change Information Service, Crops and Livestock Management, Financial Management and Partnership Building, held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan here.

Aimed at equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate and adapt to the changing climate, a total of 35 local farmers from the AMIA Village of Balubal Integrated Social Forestry Farmers’ Association, Inc. (BISFFA) in Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City participated the said event.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the activity also aims to create a deeper understanding among farmers on the aspiration of the government to improve the integration of agriculture development and climate responsiveness, while in the pursuit of achieving food security amid rapid climate change and increasing food demand in the country.

Among the topics discussed include Climate Information Service, soil sampling, crops (cassava, cacao, coffee and corn) and livestock production, pest and diseases management, livestock and pasture management, farm record keeping, business planning, entrepreneurship and financial management.

NMACLRC chief and AMIA focal person Carmelito R. Lapoot commended the participants’ dedication in creating positive impacts in their communities and encouraged them to be climate-resilient leaders in the field of agriculture in their locality amidst the challenges of climate change.

Meanwhile, BISFFA head Crispin M. Bactong expressed his gratitude for the training, saying “Akong gi-ampo nga hinaot pa nga kining gitisok nga liso sa atong mga ahensya sa gobyerno, kita nga naa dinhi, kita ang gitagaan ani nga seeds, atong itisok ug isabwag sa atong mga kauban nga farmers ilabina ang mga young farmers karon, kay ang farmers ang gahatag og pagkaon diri sa ato sa Pilipinas.”

It can be recalled that BISFFA is a recipient of DA-AMIA interventions such as Multi-Commodity Drying Facility (2 units), breeding cattle (10 heads), ready-to-lay chicken as well as corn seeds and fertilizers.# (AMBM with reports from DA-AMIA 10/Photos supplied: DA-AMIA 10)

Agri-10 receives Kalambuan award as development partner agency in public service

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado has been honored as a Kalambuan awardee by its development partner agency in public service.

On March 12, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office X (DSWD-X) recognized the agency for supporting the former’s delivery of programs and services to its clients and partners, especially those in need across Region 10 during its 73rd Founding Anniversary celebration.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga received the plaque of recognition from DSWD-X, citing the agri department’s efforts in contributing to the upliftment in the lives of different communities through the provision of rural infrastructure and facilities, offering development capacity support and technical initiatives, among others.

Honoring several organizations and individuals coming from the public and private sectors, DSWD-X highlighted the invaluable contributions of each toward the implementation of their various welfare programs and initiatives, further noting that communication, collaboration, and coordination are keys to creating and sustaining positive impact for the region.

Under its umbrella, DA-10’s attached bureaus, agencies and corporations have also been accorded the same award.
This includes the National Irrigation Administration-10, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X, Philippine Coconut Authority – 10, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources -10, National Dairy Authority – NorMin Department and the Philippine Carabao Center.# (JLO/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 through AMIA with BAR spearheads a training-workshop on iFARM.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), in collaboration with the Bureau of Agricultural Research-iFARM recently conducted a two-day training workshop on the Integrated Farm Attribution for Risk and Resources Monitoring and Management (iFARM) at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan here.

The activity was held in partnership with the local governments of Malaybalay City and the province of Bukidnon, barangay officials and corn farmer representatives from barangays Managok, San Jose, and Can-ayan, in said locality.

The iFARM information system is designed to enhance the agriculture sector’s capabilities in data collection and information management through the provision of comprehensive, timely, and up-to-date information to facilitate efficient and informed decision-making.

“Importantly, the system aims to expedite the delivery of agricultural interventions to improve crop production and resource management on farms,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado underscored.

Serving as the resource speakers for the training workshop is Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture – 10 (AMIA-10) project leader Joel J. Gabo and some BAR-iFARM representatives from the Central Office, discussing a range of topics from the dashboard and analytics features, damage and losses component of iFARM, iFARM system verification for corn production areas, and decision support tools for data analysis.

Ensuing the lectures, a site validation was conducted in some of the project sites in barangays Canayan and San Jose, as the visit forms part of ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the iFARM system in actual field conditions.
Overall, the training participants were apprised on how to digitalize data gathering and monitoring, especially on how to maximize the use of the iFARM system, leveraging it for improved agricultural planning and management.

“Not only that the iFARM info system help accelerate the flow of information for policymaking and planning, but it also marks a significant step toward the advancement of digital agriculture in the region,” RED Collado added.

Further, the event is also aligned with the DA secretary’s three-year plan dubbed “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” which targets to drum up mechanizing and modernizing the agriculture and fishery sector.# (AMIA)

Agri-10 observes Women’s Month with a discussion on mental health.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of the Women’s Month celebration this March, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the DA Women Employees’ Association (DAWEA) highlights the awareness and coping with one’s mental health, especially on women during its Monday mini program, held at the agency compound.

On March 11, Angeli Christine Pacatang, a Life and Success Coach and Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis practitioner emphasized the top issues that affect women’s mental health such as biological, social and other psychological factors.

More importantly, she tackled the different ways to avoid burnout, including fulfilling one’s physical needs, becoming self-aware and practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and compassion, seeking help, and on how to balance empathy and self-care.

Citing such ways that contribute to putting a premium on women’s mental health, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado added that the increased insights on mental health foster empathy and compassion, leading to a more supportive and understanding society and a healthier work environment.

Present in the activity were DA-10 Field Operations Division Supervising Agriculturist Chona H. Nacalaban, DAWEA-10 President Razel Elaine Grace A. Cataluña, Gender and Development focal person Berna Rhoda P. Barnido, and other personnel of the agency.#(MPMT)

DA-PRDP 10 hosts a nationwide forum and assessment with partner local government units for the implementation and practices of the safeguards framework.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen the safeguard implementation process through the local government units (LGUs), the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), through the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit conducted a nationwide forum and assessment with the partner LGUs on March 4-6, in this city.

The assembly aimed to assess and gather feedback from the LGUs on the implementation and practices of the safeguards framework and identify the unique challenges of each subproject (SP).

It also aimed to recognize the hard work and commitment of the LGUs for the implementation of safeguards policies.

In the discussion, it was observed that the frequently used frameworks identified by the LGUs during the SP implementation are the Environmental Management Framework Guidelines (EMFG); Indigenous Peoples Policy Framework (IPPF); Grievance Redress Mechanism Framework (GRMF); Mainstreaming and Institutionalizing Safeguards Framework; Implementation of Resettlement Action Plan; Social and Environmental Safeguards Practitioners; and the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Policy Framework (LARRPF).

LARRPF is a framework where in the LGU will properly compensate and/or assist in the resettlement of the Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

Highlighted the event was the recognition given to the model and top performing LGUs, along with the identified representatives with best practices for their application of the Integrated Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (IESSF) in their respective subprojects.

For Region 10, the LGU of Valencia City in Bukidnon was recognized for this feat and for exemplifying best practice on the Land Acquisition, Resettlement, and Rehabilitation Policy Framework (LARRPF).

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and RPCO 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado commended the LGU Valencia City for overcoming the challenges in the project implementation.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to LGU Valencia City for being able to perform despite the restraints faced.”

Meanwhile, Angelita D. Martir, Officer-in-Charge – Deputy Project Director and SES Unit Head of NPCO imparted to the stakeholders that the role of safeguards practitioners is vital to the success of the project and the future of the community.

“We must always choose the right path no matter how difficult it may get. There is no shortcut when it comes to the welfare of the people and the environment.”

The stakeholders further discussed the changes in the implementation of the PRDP Scale-Up and the updating of the safeguard status of the pipelined subprojects in the PRDP Scale-Up.

The event was attended by SES units from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), Project Support Offices (PSOs), and Regional Project Coordination Offices (RPCOs) along with the identified representatives from model LGUs.#

Valencia City is among the awardees for the Best DA-PRDP SES implementer across the country.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), through the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES), recognized the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Valencia City, Bukidnon, and 25 others as Best SES Implementing LGUs of 2023 during the SES Forum with Partner LGUs on March 4, in this city.

The award aims to recognize the LGUs in the country with outstanding performance in employing the SES guidelines in the implementation of the subprojects.

Awardees are selected based on the LGUs’ efforts in adopting the innovations and frameworks of safeguard processes, active participation of SES focal, resolutions of grievances received, and implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan, among others.

In an interview with Engr. Carmen C. Doña, ENP, DA-PRDP Focal Person of Valencia City, she was very happy with the recognition they received.

“Accepting this unexpected recognition is an honor. We were not thinking of receiving this award at all because we were simply following the Implementation Management Agreement and closely monitoring the contractors, as well as the stakeholders if they were doing their part correctly. On behalf of Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, we are truly grateful for this recognition.”

Engr. Doña added, “Such an award is just a cherry on top because receiving subprojects from DA-PRDP feels like receiving an award already, knowing that we can help the people, especially our farmers in Valencia.”

She further stressed their commitment to continue applying what they are doing in terms of SES concerns for the ongoing and upcoming subprojects.

Engr. Doña extended her gratitude to DA-PRDP 10 through the leadership of DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado for the agency’s continued support to the LGU.

The award was given by National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) OIC-Deputy Project Director and NPCO SES Unit head Angelita D. Martir, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and DA-PRDP 10 Deputy Project Director Carlota S. Madriaga and DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and the DA-PRDP 10 SES Unit Head Cora A. Dumayaca.#

NorMin hosts a Financial Management Consultative Meeting and Workshop in Mambajao, Camiguin attended by the finance units of different RPCOs of DA-PRDP.

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – The Finance Unit of the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) from the different regions in Mindanao holds a Financial Management Consultative Meeting and Workshop on March 4-8, in this town.

The event discussed the financial updates of the RPCOs which includes the operational fund utilization, balances and updates of the AF2 and AF2 -EU financing, CY 2024 Work and Financial Plan for the Mindanao cluster, among others.

Further, the activity aims to refine and harmonize strategies in order to fast track the financial activities which is aligned in the budgeting and auditing rules and regulations.

In his message, Christian Xerxis M. Hernandez, PSO Mindanao Finance Unit Head, said that part of the important matters that needs to be discussed is the changes made for PRDP Scale up for the RPCOs to gear upon.

Hernandez, however, assured the participants that the PSO Mindanao Finance Unit will continue to guide and support them. Hernandez explained that for every amount downloaded to the region should be utilized and liquidated within the allowable period.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director and Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10) Project Director Carlene C. Collado extends his gratitude to Project Support Office (PSO) Mindanao for choosing Northern Mindanao as the host of this event.

He added that the conduct of the activity is very timely since the RPCOs, including RPCO 10, is already implementing various subprojects under PRDP Scale Up which is a huge factor in managing the respective finances per region.

Director Collado further stressed that the role of the finance is crucial in the subproject implementation as the progress of the project is dependent on the timely utilization of funds.

It is expected that the RPCOs and the PSO will have their respective harmonized strategies on the financial activities at the end of the activity.

Present are the heads and representatives of the finance units of PSO Mindanao, and RPCOs 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM.#

Agri-10 provides PNP-10 agri inputs in support of their self-sustainability and resilience efforts.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the tutelage of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, extends its support to the Philippine National Police-10 (PNP-10) by providing agricultural inputs on March 15, at the agency compound.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan turned over provisions, comprising a tin can each of hybrid squash (Soledad Improved), hybrid eggplant (Checkmate), ampalaya (Makiling) and pechay (Black Behi) to PNP-10 representative Amenodin S. Sangcopan.

Requested by the company commander of the Technical Support Company of PNP-10, which operates as a specialized division within the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, Police Major Aiman Khuzaimah P. Pantaran said that the agri-assistance will enable them to promote self-sustainability and resilience in vegetable production and also ensure a stable and sustainable food source for its personnel, especially in emergencies and challenging situations.

“We would like to thank DA-10 for its response in providing seeds to the PNP. This would greatly help us in [achieving] food security and also allow us to generate economic benefits through the sale of [any] surplus produce,” Amenodin said.

The assorted veggie seeds is funded under HVCDP’s Production Support Services.# (TJTL)