DA-10 leads in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the P3.5-M bio-secured and climate-controlled operation facility in Kapatagan, Lanao Norte to aid in the recovery of the swine industry.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony of the P3.5 million bio-secured and climate-controlled finisher operation facility at Barangay Bel-is, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte on July 20.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the project is part of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program funded by the National Livestock Program, in which to implement calibrated repopulation and enhancement of the local swine industry to recover the sector’s capacity.

The local government unit provided the lot of the facility, which has a building area of 294.40 square meters. It also includes an office and a perimeter fence with a maximum capacity of 240 finisher heads.

The facility has a climate-controlled animal house, waste management, basic farm equipment, feed storage, and a shower room.

The DA-10 will provide two swine breeder boars and 15 swine breeder gilt amounting to P900K and agricultural supplies worth P500K such as feeds, drugs, and biologics.

The area was affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) in which the facility could greatly help in preventing the contamination of the said disease.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared, the project aimed to improve the livestock industry of the area and to locally produce a sufficient supply of hogs and pork.

Bel-is Farmers Association President Ederson A. Balucan conveyed his commitment to ensuring the project’s success.

The activity was supported the agency’s Livestock program and the provincial and municipal LGUs.#(MPMTablon/Photo credits: RDMElloren)

To update on food safety guidelines, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) conducted an orientation for importers and representatives from cold/dry storage warehouses on July 13, 2022, held in Cagayan de Oro City.

Spearheaded by the Plant Product Safety Services Division (PPSSD) – Food Safety Unit – CdeO and National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in collaboration with the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), the orientation was done to inform Food Business Operators (FBOs) on food safety requirements and updates of the newly approved BPI guidelines.

Said activity is in line with the Food Safety Act of 2013 or Republic Act No. 10611 which aims to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country as well as facilitate market access of local food and food products.

PPSSD-CdeO Chief William F. Mugot highlighted the importance of food safety as everyone’s business, noting that everyone has a role in ensuring safe food for consumers’ health and consumption. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 turns over one unit farm tractor to LGU Claveria, MisOr to easen the land preparation activities of corn farmers, in the six barangays of said town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Set on easing the land preparation activities of corn farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over one unit farm tractor to the local government of Claveria (LGU Claveria), Misamis Oriental on Monday, July 19, 2022.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, NMACLRC chief, Carmelito R. Lapoot handed over the certificate of turnover for the agri machinery worth P3 million to LGU Claveria thru Municipal Agriculturist (MA), Pat F. Dumaloan, in the presence of the Corn program staff of the Field Operations Division.

According to Dumaloan, the granted unit is for priority use in the six barangays, namely: Aposkahoy, Malagana, Parmbugas, Tipolohon, D.G. Pelaez, and Bulahan, covering 1,500 hectares of the service area with an estimated 3,000 corn farmers.

He likewise expressed his gratitude to DA-10 under the leadership of RED Collado for its continuous support to an agri-based municipality and further being the seat of approximately 10,000 hectares of corn area.

“Malaki ang maitutulong nito [traktor] sa mga nagtatanim ng mais para mas mapabilis ang kanilang land preparation activities,” the MA conveyed.

With the tractor’s management under LGU Claveria, he added that their office is in charge of bookings for farmers’ availment, while the Municipal Economic Development Office (MEDO) handles the receipt of payments to its trust fund.

As per municipal ordinance, Dumaloan detailed, that the unit will be extended to farmers at a minimal cost of P1,000.00 and the provision of 20 liters of fuel for harrowing, and the amount of P1,500.00 and 25 liters of fuel for plowing.

To help sustain the operability of the farm tractor, a portion of the charged fees will be set aside by MEDO, which is on top of the P1-M annual allocation of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office to defray repairs and maintenance costs.

“Sa ibinigay na traktor, makakatulong ito sa pagtaas na naman sa produksiyon ng mais sa anim naming barangay,” Dumaloan concluded.

Pooled from CY 2021 funds under the Production Support Services of the Corn Program, the provided four-wheel drive farm tractor runs on a 70.8 kilowatt of engine power with implements, and a three-ton capacity trailer with tools. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a joint effort to deepen the anti-smuggling of agri products, the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Service in Region 10 and the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro conducted the verification and examination of four container refrigerated vans at the Mindanao International Container Terminal Services, Inc., Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on July 19, 2022.

The imported commodity was declared as ‘spring roll patti’ from China that arrived on July 15, 2022, at MICTS but was found to contain red and white onions with an estimated value of P12 million.

The BOC examiner will submit his recommendations to BOC legal officer for issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention of the said commodity. The schedule of proper disposal will be set later.

The said agri products are considered smuggled since DA-BPI PQS has not issued a Sanitary Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC), which is a mandatory requirement to ensure that they are not a health hazard and free from harmful pests.

The team was spearheaded by BOC team Oliver Valiente, BOC Chief, CIIS-CDO Field Station, Custom Police, PDEA, a representative from Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc., among others, and DA-BPI PQS 10 Regional Manager Manuel A. Barradas with Plant Quarantine Officer Arnold Dela Cruz, Jr.

In 2021, the DA and BOC have forged an agreement to implement a new set of measures to curtail the entry of smuggled agri products and ensure an optimum level of food safety for Filipino consumers in accordance with the provisions of RA No. 10611 or the “Food Safety Act of 2013’ and other applicable laws.”

RA 10845 otherwise known as the ‘Anti- Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016’ states that seized smuggled agricultural products, shall be disposed of in a manner to be determined by the appropriate regulatory agency.

In Northern Mindanao, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, who at the same time the chair of DA Regional Management Committee has set measures in strengthening partnership with BOC CDO Port in curtailing the entry of smuggled agri products, citing Customs Memorandum Order No. 4, series of 2007, “Implementation of the MOA between the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture on Anti-Smuggling.” #(ATCabig)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to the local farmers and entrepreneurs in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) joins in the two-week Farm to Market expo, held in Limketkai Mall from July 19-30, 2022, in this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the expo is initiated by the Limketkai Mall, and is conducted to help the local farmers and entrepreneurs in the region to sell and promote their products, free of charge.

The DA-10 through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-10 AMAD) invited farmer cooperatives and entrepreneurs alike to join in the said expo which includes the Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LVMFC), RJ Agriproducts, Manzano Farm, and the 7K’s Food Products.

Joel T. Rivera, LVFMC general manager, is thankful for the expo because it has provided their cooperative a venue to sell their produce, at the same time, sell the fresh produce of their farmer coop members at guaranteed lower prices.

Meanwhile, Erbyl Kent C. Pelongco, co-owner of 7K’s food products said, the expo has opened a lot of opportunities for their venture.

“I am thankful to Limketkai Center and to DA-10 AMAD for giving us, young farmers, this kind of opportunity. In just a matter of days, I was able to promote and sell my products and expand my network. I was able to find potential buyers where we can become the supplier of their various businesses.”

The expo is located at the rotunda of said mall. # (CRSeraspe)

DA-10 leads the groundbreaking for the construction of the P2-M cattle feedlot with fence in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, which aims to aid in the production of quality cattle and to assure sustainable source of animals and income.

IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – To intensify cattle production in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the cattle feedlot with fence amounting to P1.99 million on July 18, 2022 in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

A total of 466.44 square meters of cattle feedlot is allocated to the Local Government Unit of Impasug-ong, which aims to produce quality cattle and to assure a sustainable source of animals and income.

DA-10 Livestock program focal person Maria Lourdes M. Sypiecco said, the program will benefit not only the municipality but to include Bukidnon province and the region, as well, in terms of cattle production.

Director Collado shared, “With this, cattle productivity in Region 10 will be sustained and maintained since our region is the number one producer of cattle in the country.”

According to PSA data, for the first quarter of this year, Northern Mindanao is the top producer of cattle with 10.92 thousand metric tons, liveweight or 20.9 percent share of the country’s total cattle production.

Meanwhile, Impasug-ong vice-mayor, Johnny A. Chavez expressed his gratitude to RED Collado for choosing their town as one of the recipients of the 2022 cattle multiplier farm project.

“This effort of the agency is aligned with the food security program of the government, and we, the LGU will take part in maintaining and assuring its sustainability,” he added.

Said facility is one of the components of the P5-M 2022 Cattle Multiplier Farm Livelihood Enterprise program funded by the national Livestock program of DA.

Ahead of the ceremony, the agency has delivered 58 heads of heifer (female cattle) amounting to P2.9-M and additional 2 heads of bull in May, of this year. # (RDMElloren/Photo Credits: JCAnito)

DA-10 and its Korean partners orient MisOr governor Unabia on the rural development project in Brgy. Malagana, Claveria, MisOr.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Representatives of the Korea Rural Community Corp. (KRCC) with the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado briefed Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia on the rural development project in barangay Malagana, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The continuous support of the Korean government to the Philippines through the KRCC in 2013 has helped the corn farmers in the said area improve the quality of their produce with the facilities provided.

LGU Claveria has invested P7 million to make the project workable aside from the P37.8 million funding (from the Korean government) and P26.06 million from the Philippine government.

Jeong Min Ryu of KRCC said that the small-scale project is for the betterment of the farmers, however, it will be upgraded as part of its improvement.

The facility has warehouse, production, and postharvest equipment which has been recommended for upgrading but is subject to funding approval from the Korean government.

Ms. Ryu added that they will accept proposals not limited to corn commodities that will be put up in Misamis Oriental.

Gov. Unabia shared that under his administration, he will install a storage facility and the PLGU will buy the produce of the farmers to neutralize the prices in the market.

He emphasized that it would be a revenue-generating and self-sustaining project.

The Korean team with their expert Kyoungsub Choi of SH Dryer was assisted by the DA-10 in assessing the facility through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and the LGU Claveria.#(ATC)

Farmers and AEWs of Lanao Norte and CdeO Muslim communities training on Halal Farming System with the aim of expanding such farming system in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To expand Halal farming in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) conducted a training on Halal Farming System to the farmers and agricultural extension workers of Lanao del Norte, and CdeO Muslim communities, here in the city on July 11-12, 2022.

Spearheaded by the department’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the two-day capabuild highlighted the benefits of organic farming, which is one of the requirements for a farm to be accredited Halal.

With the expertise of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO) of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, the participants learned on the different organic farm practices, such as Vermiculture, Bokashi and Biodynamic Composting.

DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, reportedly, the Halal industry has flourished, since 11 percent of the country’s population are Muslims, which is also seen to multiply in 2030 worldwide.

The Halal Food Industry Development Program is a flagship program of the department, which was launched in April 2018.

“This training is important since it is in line with the anticipated potential of the Halal industry that is around P5 billion due to its demand in the local and international market. Aside from this, the Department of Tourism has been promoting Halal products and services for the visiting Muslim and even non-Muslim countries, who prefer clean and organic foods,” said DA-10 AMAD Asst. Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe.

During the training, the participants also had their workshop in coming up with a proposal on having an organic diversified farm, which may include having a potable water source, and an area where Muslim farmers can pray or perform any rituals.

DA-NorMin LDN Provincial Operations Center Chief and the program alternate focal Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo explained, the activity will equip the farmers with the proper setup of the farm following the Halal ways, which eventually they can put up in their respective areas and have them certified as Halal farms.

He shared, that the group will also undertake another training on value-adding and marketing to thoroughly enhance their skills as they engage into a bigger market.# (EMB)

Corn farmers from the municipality of Gitagum received P3K each as part of DA-10’s assistance to temper farmers’ brunt on fuel expenses.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three hundred, eighty-one corn farmers from Gitagum, Misamis Oriental received their fuel discount cards each amounting to P3K on Wednesday, July 14, 2022 at the Municipal Gym, here in this town.

Said recipients are the third batch of corn farmers regionwide, who have been provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Northern Mindanao through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, with fuel subsidy to temper the farmers’ brunt on fuel expenses, which forms an important component of the operating cost in farming.

In coordination with the local government of said town and the Universal Storefront Services, Corp., the fuel assistance was distributed to the corn farmer-beneficiaries, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the use of machineries and facilities as part of DA’s extensive promotion on mechanization to modernize and enhance productivity in the agricultural sector. # (JLO)

DA-10 and LGU Claveria convene with its Korean partners, as they target for the upgrading of the CPC in barangay Malagana.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and the local government of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, convened with its Korean partners, as they eye for the improvement of the corn processing complex (CPC) in barangay Malagana.

A rural development project funded by the Korean (P37.8-million) and Philippine (P26.06-M) governments, the facility comprising a warehouse, and production and postharvest equipment, among others, was completed in 2013.

Since then, it has helped corn farmers in the locality to produce quality grains and to reduce postharvest losses, overall enabling them to command better prices for their produce and earn decent incomes.

Particularly, the recent coordination stemmed from LGU Claveria’s request for the provision of experts to conduct an inspection of the CPC from the Korea Rural Community, Corp. (KRCC) thru the assistance of DA-10, in order to assess the facility and identify which portions warrant replacement, repair and/or maintenance.

To this end, a delegation was sent led by Jeong Min Ryu of KRCC and experts from the corn processing machine manufacturer, SH Dryer – Kyoungsub Choi and Philip Briston (Phl branch).

Citing the CPC’s vital role in catering to the drying needs of corn farmers, Rolando M. Alfanta, municipal engineer of LGU Claveria reported, that their office has set aside P7-M for the upkeep of the complex amid challenges in the availability of experts and some spare parts for its repair and maintenance.

He added that they have done modifications to the facility for a more localized setting, paving the way to easier pursue repair and maintenance works.

Agreeing to the value of the corn processing machine, Claveria mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar said, that it greatly aids farmers, as it can accommodate the drying of corn [in cobs] from 10 hectares with an average of 10 tons per hectare within a three-day interval.

With Claveria town devoting approximately 10,000 hectares of land to corn farming, the local chief executive even clamored for the expansion of the facility.

Given the limited budget, however, to work on the implementation of future development assistance to the municipality, Ms. Ryu asked the concerned office to prioritize items for fund assistance.

LGU Claveria presented its P11.8-M worth proposal, comprising the 30×10.8-meter building extension (P4.8-M); repair of the existing building (P1-M); and the provision of agricultural equipment support facility (P6-M). Of which, the amount excludes for improvement of the existing corn drying facility from SH Dryer.

The Korean team leader responded, that by next week, she will be relaying the results of the site visit and coordination meeting, and further laid down to the body the timelines for the potential project grant to LGU Claveria, in which the bidding process will likely start in August and for implementation towards the end of the year.

As it is midyear, DA-10 through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga committed for the agency to cover for the maintenance and other operating expenses and provide technical assistance for the upcoming convergence project for Claveria town.

The agri official further recommended for LGU Claveria to explore in shouldering the duties and taxes, and demurrage fees, on top of providing the land area and manpower for their proposed project as their counterpart.

Reportedly, Claveria farmers are paying P1.50 per kilo (dried kernels) as a drying fee for the use of the CPC, but is still subject to changes in view of the increasing prices of fuel products. # (JLO)