Farmers from barangay Indalasa of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon undertakes an experiential learning tour in DA-RCPC to know more on BCAs and pest management. 

BANGCUD, MALAYBALAY CITY – The Regional Crop Protection Center of the Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 welcomes the 16 farmers from barangay Indalasa, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Tuesday, October 10 for their experiential tour in the center.

The said activity aims to expose and provide the farmers with knowledge of pest management and crop protection.

Lucille T. Minguez, RCPC chief briefed them on the station’s major Biological Control Agents (BCA) technologies or BioCon which are beneficial living organisms regulating the population of pest organisms that are specialized in predation, parasitization, and infection using entomopathogens.

The center produces various BCAs which include Trichogramma species evanescence, japonicum and chilonis, Entomopathogens such as Beauveria bassiana (White Muscardine Fungus), Metarhizium anisopliae (Green Muscardine Fungus), and Trichoderma, and predatory insects like Earwigs, Green Lacewing, Beetles (both Chilocorus nigrita and Chilocorus circumdatus), Telsimia nitida, and predatory bug Eucanthecona furcellata.

Farmers can avail of the BCAs for free upon request and by visiting the center.

The DA-RCPC 10 is responsible for crop protection in the region to ensure the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) among farmers’ practices using environment-friendly BCAs.#

DA-10 in partnership with private seed companies conduct a corn derby to provide better options [latest corn varieties] for corn farmers to increase their yield and income.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – To provide better options for corn farmers in Misamis Oriental, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Corn Program conducted a technology showcase of corn cultivars at the Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in barangay Lanise, Claveria in the said province on October 10.

Carmelito T. Lapoot, chief of the DA-Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) who also represented Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, emphasized in his message, that the conduct of these technology showcase and seed derbies is to guide the farmers with the right kind of corn varieties to be used and learn new and innovative technologies which they can apply in their respective areas, so they can gain more yield and income.

The showcase is in partnership with eight seed companies which include Corteva AgriScience (Pioneer 4124 YR, Pioneer 3645, and Pioneer 3660 YHR), Vigour Seeds Development, Inc. (Maize D30), Bayer Crop Science Philippines (DK 8131S and DK 8899S), Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (Syngenta 6505), RJR Agro-Industrial Enterprises (Maharlika 514, Maharlika 315, and Maharlika 8888), Asian Hybrid Seed Technology, Inc. (Asian Hybrid, Supreme 5150, and Asian Hybrid J505), Evo Gene Seeds, Corp. (EVO 9307) and BioSeed Research Philippines, Inc. (Bioseed H101G and Bioseed 9909).

These companies displayed their respective hybrid yellow and white corn varieties following their respective planting protocols.

Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, RCHD chief said, “We hope that through this derby, you see the performance of the various seed varieties and choose the right one that will give you a better yield. We also hope that you can bring home some farming technologies that will help you gain more and avoid planting failure.”

The seed variety with the highest yield was able to produce 7.88 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha). The second and third-highest yielders came close with 7.28 mt/ha and 7.22 mt/ha, respectively.

These results are based on the crop cut data generated by the research staff of DA-10, in the presence of the agricultural technicians from the different seed companies.

Further, results gathered were according to the agronomic and yield components such as shelled grains, weight of cob, weight of seeds, and moisture content, among others.

Also gracing the activity are Research Center for Upland Development chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr., DA-10 Accounting Section chief Claudia B. Artazo, former RCHD chief Clotilde B. Jumalon, and RCHD and DA-10 staff. # (CRS/Photo: CRS/TJL)

Agri-10 through AMAD hands in the P4.5-M worth of check of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental for the establishment of their trading post project.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over the check amounting to P4.5 million (M) to the Local Government of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental for its trading post project on October 5, at the agency compound.

Said check was handed over by DA-10 through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga to Haneya Theresa L. Yap-Chiong, Baliangao mayor, in the presence of Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe and Mae Carmela G. Fabela, Market Development Section chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Through AMAD, the fund is intended for the establishment of a trading post project to be situated in Poblacion of said municipality, where it will provide a venue for local farmers and fisherfolk to earn decent incomes and buyers to command quality agri-fishery products at reasonable prices.

Of the total P6.25-M project cost, the DA-10 apportioned P5-M through its Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant for FY 2023, while LGU Baliangao counterparted 20% in the amount of P1.25-M.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to DA-10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado for approving this trading post project. To the agency na permanente gatimbayayong namo sa munisipyo, dako kaayo ni na tabang gikan sa buhatan,” Baliangao mayor Yap-Chiong said.

She added that said intervention would greatly help farmers and spur the economic growth of the town.
With the turned-over check serving as the first tranche of release, RTD Madriaga urged the local government through Mayor Yap-Chiong’s leadership to fast-track the liquidation of said fund release in order for the release of the succeeding tranche.

Also supporting the event are Administrative and Finance Division Chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse, Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban, and other AMAD staff. # (TJL)

Agri-10 conducts early procurement activity and lays down the direction for its programs, projects and activities for CY 2024.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Setting the direction for the implementation of CY 2024 programs, projects, and activities (PPAs), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 holds an Early Procurement Activity (EPA) at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) on October 9-13 here.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that the activity will beef up the agency’s implementation of PPAs from the previous year.

“We need to review the interventions programmed for next year to have a smooth implementation that will help the department’s performance in terms of execution of projects, financial obligation and disbursement,” the director said.

He also instructed the attendees to finalize the specifications of different projects, beneficiaries and locations to jumpstart the procurement process within October, this month.

“This will ensure early deliveries of interventions, which is timely for the planting season that will contribute to increasing of yield and income of the farmers”, RED Collado added.

Citing that Region 10 has a total budget allocation of Php3,678,000,000.00 based on the approved 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) across all programs and special projects, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga reminded the focal persons to thoroughly review all the specifications of the pipelined projects and to fast track the preparation of its enabling documents prior the procurement activities.

Highlighted during the activity is also the presentation of the CY 2024 budget of the banner programs and special funded projects intended for goods and infrastructure under the Rice, Corn, Livestock and High Value Crops Development programs.

Attendees include the focal persons of the different DA banner programs and special projects, and the chiefs of the different divisions of DA-NorMin. # (MGBS)

DA-10 ManCom promotes environmental preservation through the conduct of a tree-growing activity.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Management Committee (ManCom) holds its annual tree growing at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex on October 10 here.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado stressed that said activity is one way of bringing the employees to commune with nature, while saving lives and preserving the environment, at the same time.

“For every tree we plant, we are also saving lives while protecting the environment. This is also one way of helping in the attainment of food sufficiency, as we are planting fruit-bearing trees,” he said.

Planted in the area are fruit trees such as jackfruit, mangosteen and rambutan, where it is further eyed to prevent soil erosion in the DA’s research complex and is expected to bear fruits five years from planting. # (MGBS)

The Philippine Mining Development, Corp. pays a visit to DA-10 headed by RED Collado

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC) led by Catherine Tzaris J. Pagatpatan, Business Development Department Manager paid a courtesy visit to the Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10, Carlene C. Collado on Monday, October 9, in this city.

The visit is in line with their request for a joint ground validation in connection with their Gold Exploration Permit application with the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Region 10 for a mining tenement identified as the Cagayan de Oro – Opol Gold Project which was initially evaluated by the said agency.

Apart from the area, they are requesting also for the Rogongon Copper, Gold exploration in Iligan City.

According to Pagatpatan, a portion of the area is within the Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ), thus, they requested the said assistance to determine whether the area can be opened for mining and will enable the processing of the Exploration Permit application.

The Technical Working Group for SAFDZ Joint Ground Validation is composed of DENR-MGB 10, DA-RFO10 and DA-BSWM Central Office.

The PMDC is a government corporation attached to the DENR mandated to closely monitor and oversee the efficient and effective implementation of the country’s utilization and development of its mineral resources.#(ATC)

DA-PRDP 10 holds a management meeting for its FMR subproject, in the municipality of Naawan.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To fast-track the implementation of the Construction of Mapulong-Tuboran farm-to-market road with arch bridges in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, PRDP 10 Project Director, and DA-10 Regional Director Carlene C. Collado directed the management meeting on Wednesday, October 4, this city.

The said meeting aims to address the issues and concerns encountered in the implementation of the P85.60 million subproject.

Director Collado emphasized the need to foster better coordination among the concerned stakeholders to enhance the project execution and the timely disbursement of funds.

The discussion also includes the challenges encountered in the implementation and its impact on the project’s timeline.

Meanwhile, the LGU committed to catch up the delays of project execution and to accomplish it until December this year.

In attendance were LGU Naawan represented by its Project-in-Charge Randy Calubag, Municipal Engr. Rus Jerove C. Mugot and MPDC Salvador Almiñe with PRDP RPCO 10 Rural Infrastructure Engr. Antonio Teves and PRDP GGU Engr. Bryan Cubita and Jejor’s Construction Operation Manager, Christopher Coro.#(ATC)

DA-SAAD crafts its Data Privacy Manual thru the regional IT and Database Development and Public Relations and Development Communications personnel from 15 SAAD-implementing regions nationwide.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In compliance with Republic Act 10173, the country’s Data Privacy Law, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) enhanced its internal protocol on data privacy and management by crafting its Data Privacy Manual.

SAAD convened its regional IT and Database Development and Public Relations and Development Communications personnel from 15 SAAD-implementing regions nationwide, for a training-workshop on Data Privacy and Management on October 2-6 here.

The program’s National Director Ulysses J. Lustria, Jr. said the activity is reflective of the program’s intent to train its personnel on the Data Privacy Act (DPA) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations to protect farmers and fishers’ information housed in the program’s database system.

“The training workshop helps improve our implementation of SAAD. [Moving onward], we know how to collect, store, process, and dispose of data properly,” he said, stressing the importance of proper data handling to protect SAAD’s data subjects and clients – the farmers and fisherfolk.

Dir Lustria stressed that after SAAD [phase 2] implementation in 2028, others can use the data for research, policy-making, and [implementation] of other projects similar to SAAD.

Data Privacy expert Atty. Jose Angelo Tiglao and Atty. Willie Ann Angsiy, DA legal service director, who concurrently serves as the agency’s Data Protection Officer, apprised the participants of the salient features of DPA and protocols for responsible and accountable data management.

The training specifically emphasized proactive measures in preventing, managing, and responding to data breach incidents to avoid unlawful and harmful data leaks.

Significantly, the training enables SAAD’s IT and Communications personnel to foster DPA-compliant procedures in collecting, storing, processing, using and publishing farmers’ and fishers’ data in carrying out their respective functions in consonance with the SAAD mandate.

For his part, DA-10 Regional Executive Director and SAAD-Northern Mindanao focal person Carlene C. Collado, enjoined SAAD personnel in the region to be receptive to their duty not only to help the farmers and fisherfolk, but also to protect them from any harm such as data breach.

He also urged ways to improve SAAD-10’s data management protocol to better protect the farmers’ information under its care.

Said event was also participated by SAAD personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), information officers from the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) and the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (AFID), and personnel from the Office of the DA Secretary.# (ATTalib)

Farmers from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon complete DA-10’s FFS on corn production.

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted recently the completion rites for 28 farmers who have completed the Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Corn Production, in Barangay Minsuro, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the FFS aims to equip farmers with the necessary technical knowledge and skills for corn production and empower them to make critical and informed decisions toward profitable and sustainable farming.

The four-month season-long field school included topics such as corn plant structures and function, seed selection, soil sampling and analysis, land preparation for corn, crop establishment, and the application of fertilizers and herbicides.

Further, farmers were also apprised of the management of various insects and pests common with corn, as well as weeds management.

In her message, DA-10 Provincial Operations Center Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM encouraged the proactive application of all learnings attained through the FFS, citing its impact in boosting the agricultural productivity of Bukidnon and Northern Mindanao.

FFS farmer-graduates Nelvin Emben and Rowena Pontasan expressed their gratitude for being part of the activity, and reiterated their shared commitment with other graduates to foster community, stimulate local innovation, and attain sustainable agriculture.

Supporting the activity were Municipal Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas, Jr., Municipal Agriculturist Gemma G. Cania, Barangay Chairperson Mary Jane P. Guilayan, DA-10 Integrated Pest Management focal person Marnelly Ann P. Flores, and staff.# (GDA/Photos supplied)

DA-10 together with private seed companies host a corn derby in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, in the hopes of increasing farmers’ yield and income.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in partnership with private seed companies, staged a technology showcasing of promising hybrid corn cultivars in barangay Dalwangan here on Friday, October 6, in a bid to provide farmers with opportunities to reap higher yield and income.

With the apportioned 1.3 hectares at the DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), some 17 hybrid corn varieties from eight seed companies were exhibited, as their entries vie to prevail over the select cultivars in terms of yield, net return and adaptability during the second leg of corn derby field day for this year’s wet season.

Employing their respective planting protocols, yellow corn varieties were featured by Corteva AgriScience with P3660YHR, P3645YR and P4124YHR as their entries; Bayer Crop Science Philippines (DK8899S, DK8131S), Vigour Seeds Development, Inc. (MAIS SWERTE, MAIZE D30), and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (NK6505BGT).

Added to the line-up of yellow corn cultivars are Maharlika 315 and Maharlika 44 of RJR Agro-Industrial Enterprises; AH SUPREME 5150 and J505 of Asian Hybrid Seed Technology, Inc.; EVO 9307 of Evo Gene Seeds, Corp.; and H101G and B9909G of BioSeed Research Philippines, Inc.

Two white corn varieties were also demonstrated, namely: Maharlika 8888 and MAISTISA of RJR and Vigour, respectively.

“Your participation [in the corn derby] will not be a futile effort, as this is one of our bases in the procurement of our seeds for next year,” DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga underscored before over a 200-membered mixed crowd of seed company representatives, farmers and agricultural extension workers of Bukidnon province.

For 2024, DA-10’s hybrid yellow corn seeds fund allocation is pegged at PhP144 million for the said province, which includes the areas of the attendees from the towns of Impasug-ong, Baungon, Manolo Fortich, Talakag, Cabanglasan, Lantapan, and the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia.

Based from the crop cut results generated by DA-NMACLRC of the Research Division, the top yielder harvested an average yield of 12.53 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) with a production cost of PhP59,600.00 and a net return of PhP159,657.50, followed by 10.91 mt/ha amounting to PhP61,110.00 and a net return of PhP129,780.00, and coming in third, 10.62 mt/ha with a production cost of PhP59,635.00 and a net return of PhP126,232.50.

Wherein, parameters that were factored in include plant harvested per hectare, number of corn ear rot, average ear and plant height, ear diameter and length, average weight of seeds at 14% moisture content, shelling recovery and yield per hectare to determine the performing yellow corn varieties.

Similar agronomic characteristics and yield components were also used for the white corn variety entries, ranking first with 9.01 mt/ha with a production cost of PhP57,435.00 and a net return of PhP100,310.00, and trailing behind is 7.04 mt/ha costing PhP41,790.00 with a net return of PhP81,410.00.

Recognizing that the conduct of corn derbies remain relevant to DA’s thrust of attaining food security and self-sufficiency, RTD Madriaga also urged the participants to serve as the agri department’s ambassadors and ambassadresses on the ground, as they have seen the actual performance of the latest available hybrid corn varieties of different seed companies.

“Share your learnings and experiences na nakuha ninyo diri karon aron daghan mabulahan sa maong impormasyon ug kini mapaambit sa uban,” the assistant director added.

Meanwhile, Justin R. Ferrer, Barangay Agricultural Technician Managing Agricultural Networks of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Manolo Fortich, pins his hopes that the learnings and exposure of the farmers he assisted were reinforced, especially so that almost 30 of them completed the Farmers’ Field School in Corn Production in barangay Minsuro just a few days ago.

“Nanghinaot ko nga kining pag anhi nila magamit gyud nila, ilabina sa pagpili sa unsay angay nilang paliton nga binhi ug ma-apply pod nila kung unsa ilang nakat-unan nga technology diri [sa corn derby] sa ilang pagpanguma,” Ferrer remarked.

PSA data for hybrid corn production in Bukidnon for the year 2022 stands at 842,207.04 metric tons from 174,326.62 hectares of area harvested.

Jointly implemented by the Operations and Research divisions, the corn derby field day was also supported by Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, Provincial Operations Chief for Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Research Center for Hillyland Development Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, Regional Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria and other DA-10 staff. # (JLO/Photo credits: RDMElloren)