Agri-10 and the city government of CdeO sign a MOA for the establishment of a City-led Agriculture and FIsheries Extension System.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of its concerted efforts to empower local governments in the delivery of social services and foster local economic growth, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro (CLGU-CdeO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of a City-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (CAFES) on September 26, 2023, at the agency compound, this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado signed the MOA with City Agriculturist Paterno L. Gonzales Jr., representing LGU-CdeO and witnessed by DA-Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-10) Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD.

As project convener, DA-10 will bring together program partners, namely the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-10) and the Highly Urbanized City Agricultural and Fishery Council, to establish and implement the CAFES, consistent with the priorities identified in the Collaborative City Agricultural and Fisheries Extension Program (CCAFEP).

Director Collado said the agreement fosters the synergistic approach of the Department, the local government, and its partners toward a more productive agri-fisheries sector and community-driven agricultural development, consistent with Executive Order No. 138.

Further, DA-10 will coordinate the provision of inputs, farm machineries and equipment, and support services, as well as extend assistance to LGU-CdeO in market linkages for farmers and fisherfolk through available KADIWA centers.

The CLGU-CdeO will lead the implementation of the CCAFEP guided by the city’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture, City Commodity Investment Plan (CCIP), and Value Chain Analysis (VCA) of priority commodities in the city, and integrate the CCAFEP with the Comprehensive City Development Plan.

As the lead authority on irrigation, NIA-10 will plan, design, and construct irrigation projects and systems in the city, and provide technical assistance in irrigation and water management to the City Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (CAFEC).# (GDA)

DA-10 conducts its yearly Research for Development Review at NMACLRC in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Research Division, spearheaded the agency’s Research for Development (R4D) Review on October 2-3, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan here.

Evaluators from the member agencies of the Northern Mindanao Research Development and Extension Network (NOMIRDEN) reviewed the 12 presented research studies/projects, comprising 10 completed and two ongoing.

The annual R4D review mainly aims to evaluate the methodology used in research projects, the attainment of objectives, and the generation of comments and suggestions to the identified challenges affecting research project adoption.

The proposed research projects include crops, developmental research, integrated farming systems, pest and nutrient management, value-added products development, adaptability yield trials, technology adoption, and other fields of studies concerning the agriculture sector.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to the evaluators for their time and effort in helping the agency’s research initiative be approved until submission to the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) based on the evaluations.

“DA management is fully supportive of our research initiatives and hopefully, all of these proposals will contribute to an empowered research and development system, which will lead to expanded economic opportunities for those who engage in agriculture and fisheries, particularly small and subsistence farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.

Dir. Collado challenged the researchers to transfer the products of technology down to the farmers’ level and hoped that the personnel could identify success stories from their studies.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared the significance of generating scientific findings and their relevance to the mandates and thrust of DA, which is food security.

“As One DA, we will invite other Regional Management Committee (RMC) members to present for the next research review so that we can really have that One DA system,” she conveyed.

Closing the activity is the awarding of the best research papers, of which Maridith A. Flores, Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-10 Research division won first place for her study, “Market-driven Varietal Testing and Validation for Effective Positioning of Varieties in Target Rice Ecosystems and Seed Chains in Region 10.”

Placing second and third were: Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, Research Center for Hilly Land Development chief for her study, “Surveillance, Monitoring and Management of Arthropods and Diseases of Corn in Mindanao,” and Carmelito R. Lapoot, NMACLRC chief for the “Soil Health Management for Sustained Yield of Cassava”, respectively.

The three best research paper awardees will advance for presentation and competition to this year’s regional research symposium, which is annually conducted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium on Agriculture, Aquaculture Research and Development (NOMCAARD).

The panel of Evaluators were Elmer E. Enicola of the Institute of Plant Breeding – University of the Philippines – Los Baños (IPB-UPLB); Floro V. Dalapag of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC); Mercedita G. Barbarona and Lydia E. Tiongco of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Maria Estella B. Detalla, PhD and Lowella R. Angcos, PhD of the Central Mindanao University (CMU); and Ma. Estrella Luz Penaloza of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca supported the activity with the Research Division and its research stations. # (RDMElloren)

DA-10 AMAD updates MisOr and CdeO agribusiness coordinators on agribusiness-related services of the department.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado recently held a coordination meeting and planning workshop for agribusiness coordinators and municipal agriculturists from the province of Misamis Oriental.

Attendees were from the 13 MisOr municipalities and CdeO City, where they presented their accomplishments in support of the delivery of projects, interventions, and services of DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

This ranges from market information, market linkage and product promotion, agribiz promotion, and agribiz development services.

Larry E. Paraluman, DA-10 AMAD chief said that the activity aims to develop initiatives that address identified challenges and opportunities in agriculture with clear goals and timelines.

He added that AMAD seeks to promote the expansion and development of agricultural operations by offering farmers, agribusiness owners, and other relevant stakeholders various forms of support, direction, and resources.

Presentations of updates and the different programs and activities for availment from the three sections of DA-AMAD, such as the Agribusiness and Industry Support Section (AISS), Agribusiness and Promotion Section (APS), and the Market Development Section (MDS), being offered to their targeted beneficiaries were also done.

The next batch of the said activity will be in Bukidnon on the last week of October.# (MPMT)

DA-10 links SMFI-Visayas with FCAs in MisOr, Bukidnon and CdeO City for potential market for their corn and cassava

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its pursuit of providing them with a direct and additional market for their produce at reasonable prices, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) recently linked San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI)-Visayas to the different cassava- and corn-producing farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) from Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon provinces, and from the city here.

In a brief meeting held at the agency compound, the SMFI-Visayas team led by Eduardo Co, logistics in-charge, bared that their company eyes to tap FCAs in Region 10 to augment the volume of their existing shipments and also maximize their operations, from CdeO City to Cebu City.

Having an audience with the invited 11 FCAs, Co emphasized that it is also their company’s manifestation that they join in the agri department’s bid to help boost farmers’ incomes and the quality of their lives; thus, also hearing out the challenges they have encountered on the ground.

In response, Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 regional executive director underscored that the FCAs should consider tapping said company, as they can deal with them; thereby, cutting the trading layers when marketing their corn and cassava harvest.

Likewise, he assured that the agency will continue to provide the needed support for the FCAs such as the provision of seeds, fertilizers, farm tractors, postharvest facilities, and capitalization, among others, to empower their groups and enable them to forge a long-term business partnership with SMFI-Visayas.

Further, the agri official highlighted the submission of the FCAs’ respective letters of intent, as the top priority in requesting assistance from DA, as validation on-site will then follow.# (JLO)

Tein of South City Central School emerges as the champion in the recently concluded 2023 World Food Day Poster Making Contest. She was assisted by her coach, Ryan Z. Roa.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) recognized the top three winning entries of the World Food Day (WFD) Regional On-the-Spot Making Contest on September 29, in this city.

The three successful participants who placed in this year’s competition are Gerlie Faith S. Tein and Renee Abegail E. Arroyo from the South City Central School ranking first and second, respectively; and Angel Szyatche S. Luzares from the Agusan Elementary School ranking third.

Forty-five grades 5 to 6 student participants from public and select private schools demonstrated their artistic skill through hand-drawn illustrations and with oil pastels as the coloring medium, centered on this year’s theme: “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.”

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the contest aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the responsible use and conservation of water, a finite resource and essential component of human life, among the youth.

Further, he said that the event is aligned with the Department’s thrust to promote sustainable agriculture, whose processes mainly concern the use of the said natural resource.

The first-place winner will represent Region 10, where her winning masterpiece will be sent to the DA-Central Office for judging during the national tilt slated later this week.

DA is the country’s lead agency in the annual celebration of the WFD in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO), and the Department of Education (Deped). # (GDA)

DA-10 employees participate in the blood donation drive spearheaded by CSC-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To instill civic spirit and the principle of donating blood as a humanitarian act, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado joined the nationwide blood drive in time for the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) celebration, on September 19, at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) – Regional Office 10, in this city.

Bearing the theme “Dugtong Buhay, Handog ng Lingkod Bayan,” around 30 agri employees volunteered in support of the medical needs of others.

Said event likewise promoted the benefits of blood donation to employees’ health and wellness, as well as fosters synergistic efforts among government agencies through “Bayanihan” and “Malasakit sa Kapwa”.

Spearheading the event is CSC-10 in collaboration with the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), with the participation of the agri department and other government offices in the city.# (RDMElloren)

DA-10 through its AMAD holds an enterprise development training for young agripreneurs

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) facilitated recently a seminar-workshop for young agricultural entrepreneurs across the region, in this city.

More than 20 young agripreneurs joined the said training, which aims to look forward to a future where innovation, sustainability, and food security are at the forefront of farming practices.

Throughout the training, the guest speakers highlighted the importance of utilizing digital platforms for social media marketing plans with an emphasis on understanding first the target audience.

Additionally, they emphasized the significance of food safety, where prioritizing safe food handling practices was bared.

Furthermore, participants gained valuable insights into the techniques for creating product costing and pricing strategies, along with a comprehensive understanding of the various stages of the manufacturing process.

In support of this event, also present was Ferdinand F. Caraballe, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Assistance Division chief, and other AMAD staff.#(ACPUy)

DA through its BSWM strengthens upland and hilly land farming in Region 10 thru its SLRMA project.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To reinforce the agency’s support for corn and cassava farmers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted a meeting with the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) to discuss the Sustainable Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA) for region 10 on September 20, at the agency compound, this city.

In their presentation, DA-BSWM tackled the salient parts of the SLRMA, a five-year research and development project developed by the Bureau under the National Corn Program, aimed at providing support to corn and cassava farmers in erosion-sensitive uplands and hilly lands in the country.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said the Department is committed to assisting DA-BSWM and local government units to source and provide planting materials, monitoring, and maintenance of the pilot areas identified in Talakag and Sumilao towns in Bukidnon in accordance with the technical guidelines of the project.

To facilitate easy adoption and comprehension of the project’s objectives and significance among local farmers and other stakeholders here, Madriaga also said DA-10 will coordinate its efforts with DA-BSWM to popularize IEC materials on the project.

Heading the DA-BSWM delegation is Engineer II Jemar G. Raquid, also in the presence of Field Operations Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Corn Program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria, and Soybean Program focal person Samuel C. Natindim, Jr. #(ACPUy)

DA-10 in partnership with seed companies exhibit promising corn cultivars in RCUD, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

BARONGCOT, DANGCAGAN, BUKIDNON – The agriculture department of Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in partnership with private seed companies stages the first in the series of its Corn Derby Field Day for this year’s wet season, showcasing promising hybrid corn cultivars here on Friday, September 22.

Seated at about a 1.9-hectare portion of DA-10’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD), 15 different corn varieties from seven companies were exhibited, to gauge their performance and adaptability in a low elevated area.

“Mapuslanon ni siya [technology showcasing] para sa atong mga mag-uuma,” Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 regional technical director for operations, in her message to about the 150 farmers and agricultural extensionists participating from the towns of Dangcagan, Damulog, Kibawe, Don Carlos, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Maramag, and Kalilangan of Bukidnon province.

Yellow corn varieties along with their corresponding package of technologies include NK6140BGT and NK6130BGT from Syngenta Philippines, Inc.; DK8131S and DK8899S (Bayer Crop Science Philippines); H101G and B9909G (BioSeed Research Philippines, Inc.); and AH SUPREME 5150 RRYYG and J505 RRYG (Asian Hybrid Seed Technology Inc.).

Rounding up the list of yellow corn varieties exhibited are P3582YHR and P3530YHR (Corteva AgriScience); EVO 9115 (Evo Gene Seeds, Corp.); and MAIS SWERTE and MAIZE D30, and MAIS-TISA, a white corn variety from Vigour Seeds Development, Inc.

Importantly, the crop cut results were presented, factoring in agronomic and yield components such as number of plants, ears, and yield per plot; gaob incidence; total cob and kernel weights; shelling recovery; field moisture content; yield and weight of grains; population density; ear length and diameter; number of kernel line and kernels per ear.

She likewise underscored the significance of conducting corn derbies over the years with the private seed companies.

“Labaw na sa amoa na kami [department] karon nga gi-manduan sa national government pinaagi sa atong President [Marcos] na mao atong [DA] secretary na tagaan og dakong pagtagad ang agrikultura,” RTD Madriaga remarked.

Generated results show that the corn varieties employed yielded the highest at 10.03 tons per hectare at 14% moisture content (MC) to the lowest of 5.69 tons/ha at 14% MC.

As the agency through the Corn Program will procure P281 million of hybrid corn seeds, comprising GM hybrid yellow corn seeds and hybrid white corn flint seeds next year, Dir. Madriaga highlighted that the corn derby results would form part of the basis of the department’s procurement of seeds.

Moreso, DA-10 is set to procure P19.7 million worth of GM hybrid yellow corn seeds and hybrid white corn seeds to serve as buffer stocks, in case of disasters and calamities.

As the techno demo displayed different corn varieties and planting protocols to augment farmers’ productivity and earnings, the DA-10 official also urged the farmers to form into corn clusters to attain economies of scale.

This will enable them to greatly trim down their cost of operations, reap bountiful harvests, link to large-scale buyers, and earn bigger incomes.

“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa DA-10 sa ilang gipahigayon nga programa sa mga ka-mais, diin adunay bag-ong mga technology nga gi-showcase nga milangkob sa low ug high elevation nga corn cultivars ug magdepende sab ang performance sa klase sa yuta gikan sa mga nagkalain-laing kompanya sa mais,” conveyed Lilibeth P. Galandez, president of the Narukdukan Kisanday Banana, Cassava, Coconut, Corn Farmers’ Association (NAKBACCCOFA) of Maramag town.

Following said corn derby, DA-10 is slated to conduct the same activity at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and Research Center for Hillyland Development in Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental in early October, this year.

Also supporting the event were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Provincial Operations Center of Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano, Jr. and other DA-10 staff. # (JLO/Photo credits: RDMElloren)

DA-10 through its RAED conducts the FMR Network Planning.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To enhance dynamism and efficiency in implementing Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) projects, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), spearheaded the FMR Network Planning on September 19-22, in this city.

The activity was conducted in consonance with Joint Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2023, which mandated government agencies implementing FMR projects – DA, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), to work in convergence for the formulation, implementation, and updating of the National Network of FMRs.

In partnership with the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), DA-RFO 10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened its partner agencies and stakeholders for a multilateral dialogue on the regional FMR road map.

Essentially, the planning workshop is an avenue to apprise the city and municipal agriculturists, agricultural biosystem engineers, and the DPWH district engineers on GEOAGRI.

The GEOAGRI is a web-based Management Information System portal jointly developed by BAFE and Caraga State University to consolidate, store/manage, process, and analyze data of FMR projects implemented by National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs).

As advanced by BAFE, the system is part of the government’s effort to promote transparency, maximize resource allocation, and minimize duplication and overlapping of FMR projects.

FMRs have been regarded as imperative interventions to address agricultural supply chain problems by connecting production areas to markets.

This enables farmers and fishers to broaden their reach and command better prices for their products.

In her message, DA- RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga DA, LGUs, and DPWH to come to a consensus in crafting remedial measures to address challenges encountered on the ground, for effective FMR implementation in the region.

Since 2015, DA-RFO 10 appropriated P4.56 billion in funds for the implementation of 452 FMR projects across the five provinces in Northern Mindanao, in partnership with DPWH and the LGUs.

Criteria such as estimated road influence area, number of farmers/fisherfolk beneficiaries, agricultural potential indicators, present road condition, climate change adaptation and average daily traffic are determinants in prioritizing and funding FMR projects.

In support of the FMR implementation and monitoring activities in the region, BAFE turned over two laptop and mobile phone units to DA-RFO 10 RAED during the planning workshop.# (ATTalib)