Rice farmers from Malaybalay City and Lantapan, Bukidnon receive financial aid through DA’s RCEF-RFFA program.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) officially launched the third rollout of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program in Northern Mindanao, Thursday, December 1, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Through OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 has allocated about P96.97 million for the RFFA rollout to 18,831 qualified rice farmers tilling 0.5 hectares but not exceeding two hectares in Bukidnon province, and are enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

According to DA-10 Rice focal person Chona H. Nacalaban, RFFA is the government’s financial aid to rice farmers who are affected by the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law.

Meanwhile, Malaybalay City councilor Niko P. Aldeguer expressed his gratitude to DA-10 for the unending support to their farmer constituents.

“This financial assistance greatly helps our local farmers in their farming, and we, in the Local Government Unit, assure you to give our full support in addressing their agricultural needs,” he said.

On the other hand, Acting Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon urged the recipients to invest the amount on farm inputs to boost their farm production, especially for this dry cropping season.

In partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC) around 1,761 smallholder rice farmers from Malaybalay City and Lantapan, Bukidnon received the cash subsidy at P5k each on the first-day of rollout.#(RDMElloren: Photos: ATTalib/GDAndres)

Agri 10 holds an oathtaking ceremony for its seven newly promoted and appointed employees.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) held an oathtaking ceremony for the five promoted and two appointed personnel on December 2, 2022, at the Court of Appeals – Mindanao Station (CAMS), Cagayan de Oro City.

The ceremony was administered by Hon. Oscar V. Badelles, Executive Justice, Court of Appeals – Mindananao Station in the presence of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, and OIC-RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca of DA-10.

The personnel who took their oath are the following:

1. Kersten S. Pagalan – Senior Agriculturist, Field Operations Divisions (FOD)
2. Jullibee V. Montecanas – Engineer II, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED)
3. Maria Estella L. Jalandoni – Agriculturist II, FOD
4. Dafni C. Carreon – Science Research Specialist I, Research Division
5. Christen Jay C. Nercua – Engineer I, RAED
6. Marnie S. Suarez – Agriculturist I, FOD
7. Jemseal R. Tigbao – Agriculturist I, Regulatory Division

Also present in the ceremony are the division chiefs and representatives of the concerned personnel and DA-10 staff. # (CRSeraspe)

Agri 10 introduces the Kadiwa ng Pasko to Oro locals to provide the region’s farmer- and fisher-producers to directly market their produce at reasonable prices.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To give the public access to affordable and high-quality products, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) launches the Kadiwa ng Pasko at Diskwento Karavan on December 1, 2022, at the agency compound.

DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the activity focuses on providing a market to the local agricultural producers while giving the public economical and quality agri-fishery products in time for the holiday season.

Nineteen exhibitors participated in said activity offering various agri-fishery products.

Said exhibitors include the following: Talaandig Farmers Association, Tagpuangi Farmers Association, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives – Highland Fresh Dairy Products, Chona Farm, DA-10 research stations, DA attached corporations and bureau: National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), high-value crop producers, and other food products and grocery item suppliers.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga invites the public to the Kadiwa, which will run until tomorrow, December 2, 2022, to support local farmers and fisherfolk.

Also gracing the activity are DA-10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) chief Larry E. Paraluman, and other agency personnel. #(MPMTablon, Photos: RLTolentino)

Agri 10 awards the top 5 winners of this year’s NRAM poster making contest, participated in by the representatives from the agency’s different operating units.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) formally recognized the top 5 winners of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) Poster Making Contest during the Regional Achievers Awarding Ceremony, here in the city on November 29.

The five successful participants who placed in this year’s contest are Van Angelo Y. Chatto, DVM and Deljane S. Balagtas from the Integrated Laboratories Division ranking first and fourth, respectively; Marycris P. Tuyor, second from the Field Operations Division; Johnhil M. Delarmente, third from the Research Division; and Derbie A. Frias placing fifth from the Administrative and Finance Division.

Sixteen participants from the different divisions of the agency showcased their creativity through hand-drawn illustrations centered on the theme: “Be Riceponsible: Adlay, mais, saba atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin, Brown Rice ang kainin, Kanin ay huwag sayangin, Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin.”

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado shared that NRAM is an annual celebration spearheaded by DA every month of November that aims to promote responsible rice consumption and to recognize the invaluable role of rice farmers in achieving rice sufficiency in the country.# (GDAndres)

Agri 10 RMC assess 2022 accomplishments during its quarterly assembly.

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – The Regional Management Committee (RMC) of the Department of Agriculture-Region 10 convened for its Fourth Quarter General Assembly at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city, on November 21-22.

The DA-attached agencies, bureaus, and corporations in Region 10 include BPI (SPAL, NSQCS, PQS), PCA, BAI-NVQS, PCC, BFAR, NDA, NFA, NIA, FPA, ATI, PhilFIDA, ACPC, PhilMech, and NMIS presented their accomplishment reports and highlighted activities for the year as in the assembly.

The RMC member agencies also presented their pipelined programs and projects as approved under the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director and RMC Chair, Carlene C. Collado, called on the RMC members to devise catch-up plans to fully accomplish their committed financial and physical targets for the year.

He further moved for the consolidation of the agri-fishery programs and projects of the RMC member agencies for synergistic implementation in the region.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, discussed the various memoranda from the DA’s Central Office with compliance of the DA instrumentalities.

Among the directives are the observance of the processes for the prioritization of the agri-fisheries development projects in view of the reactivation of the DA-Wide Project Clearing House System.

For communications streamlining the DA instrumentalities were told to comply with the DA’s one messaging protocol in communicating the agri-fishery programs at the regional and national levels.

The RMC members also visited the DA-10’s P100 million Korean SMART Greenhouse at the NMACLRC showcasing modern production technology of strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and white potatoes.

To cap the assembly, the head of office and personnel of the DA-10 and its attached agencies, bureaus and corporations planted fruit trees within the vicinity of the NMACLRC.#(Azbie T. Talib)

4Ks program produces 27 IP graduates for its FFS on corn production.

IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), together with the local government of Impasug-ong, conducts a graduation ceremony for the 27 enrollees of the Farmers Field School (FFS) on November 22, 2022, in sitio Mintapod, Hagpa of this town.

The four months-long FFS, which was initiated under the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) Program, focused on teaching the Higaonon tribe about corn production technologies with emphasis on integrated crop management and good agricultural practices.

DA-10 OIC Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado lauded the participants for enduring the 4-months season-long training where they learned the most practical and applicable farming technologies to sustain food production in their area.

He further emphasized that the best way of having enough food on their table is to produce their own, following the knowledge they learned from the training.

DA’s efforts in coordination with the 16th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army support the whole-of-nation approach of Executive Order No. 70 which formed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Dir. Collado added that DA is providing livelihood opportunities to the IPs to enhance their agricultural productivity and eventually increase their income.

On the other hand, DA-10 Regulatory Division Chief Audy G. Maagad, stressed, “Having this [FFS] is a great help for the people in Mintapod. Growing corn can be your source of food and income, especially if you add value to your produce. After your graduation, I hope that you will continue to apply your learnings from the FFS and yield better results in the future,” Maagad added.

Impasug-ong Vice Mayor Johnny A. Chavez encouraged the application of their learnings for a better harvest that will eventually lead to a prosperous community.

HE assured that the LGU will continue to provide support and interventions to the sitio that will inspire them to engage more in farming ventures.

Meanwhile, Mark Arthur Altohan, Mintapod sitio leader and also an FFS graduate, is thankful for the opportunity given to them by DA considering that most of their farmers lack the knowledge on appropriate farming technologies and wanted to learn more about it.

“I ask my fellow graduates that we will not waste what we have learned. Let us teach others who were not able to join the FFS so we can thrive as a stronger indigenous community in Impasug-ong and no one will be left behind. This is just the beginning of a better Mintapod,” Altohan expressed.

4Ks is a three-year special project of DA which aims to capacitate the IPs through training and workshops and provide assistance in the form of agri-fisheries related livelihood opportunities.

Also present in the said ceremony are Impasug-ong Municipal Administrator Gabriel Uy, Impasug-ong Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Roan R. Fernandez, 2nd LT Alpert Diputado of 16th IB, PA, DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief of Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA-10 4Ks Focal Person April Grace M. Racines, FFS Coordinator Marnelly Ann P. Flores, tribal leaders, barangay officials, and residents of Mintapod. # (CRSeraspe)

Agri 10 updates Buk’non organic coordinators on PGS.

In partnership with Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its Organic Agriculture (OA) Program conducted a training workshop on Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for OA coordinators of the city and municipal agriculture office of the different LGUs in Bukidnon, Tuesday, November 22, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

PGS is a locally-focused quality assurance system developed by organic agriculture practitioners in the country.

It provides the basis and guidelines for certifying producers and farmers as actual and active practitioners of organic agriculture in the country.

To further support the calls and causes for the promotion of organic agriculture in Bukidnon, DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, urged the LGUs to access and explore other support provided by DA for the organic agriculture program, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), particularly for the conduct of capacity-building activities, networking, and market development.

As of this year, DA-RFO 10 already assisted PGS certification of 13 certified organic farms in Northern Mindanao.# (ATalib)

A P10-million facility is established in Kadingilan, Bukidnon to further develop the cacao industry in the locality.

KADINGILAN, BUKIDNON – A full-functioning cacao facility is ready to serve Bukidnon as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) turns over the machinery to the Balaoro Farmers Association (BAFA) on Friday, November 18, 2022.

The project is in support of the Cacao Processing and Marketing subproject with a total project cost of Php 10,905,947.82 comprising 1 roasting machine, 1 crusher machine, and 1 storing machine.

DA 10 OIC – Regional Executive Director and RPCO Project Director, Carlene C. Collado congratulated the stakeholders for achieving the said feat.

He said that the facility will encourage farmers to plant more cacao, produce more quality cacao beans, and boost the tablea and chocolate production in the province.

Carlota S. Madriaga, DA 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and RPCO 10 Project Director expressed her joy to see the achievement of the association.

“I am proud to have witnessed the progress of this project, from the groundbreaking until its completion. We are now reaping the fruit of our hard work, from the association, province, and the PRDP team,” Madriaga added.

As one with the movement in empowering women, Dir. Madriaga also commended the association for opening employment opportunities, especially for women.

“It is heartwarming to see women producing tablea from their labor and earning a living for their families”.

She also challenged the farmers to further expand their market not only within Bukidnon but to be globally competitive.

Jerry Agustin Canoy Jr., Kadingilan Municipal Mayor expressed, “We have reached this far through our hard work. Kadingilan is already known for our tablea, and we hope with this project, BAFA can make a mark in the Philippines.”

Starting with only 5 members back in 1993, BAFA has increased it to 56 farmer-members and has already linked to eligible buyers and markets around the country.

In his acceptance message, BAFA chairman Clemente M. Bañados thanked the stakeholders and promised to prioritize the expansion of their association.

“I am grateful to the government for recognizing our potential and for including us in the priority list to receive government interventions.

Addressing his fellow members, he reminded them to be selfless and to think of the future generation.

“Let us continue to work harder to reach that goal,” Bañados concluded.

It can be recalled that the association has already received a processing center and a hauling truck from PRDP which were turned over in 2021.

This SP was also implemented under the supervision of the Provincial Local Government (PLGU) of Bukidnon.#

The 4^th PSABE regional convention promotes ABEs’ technology in biosecured projects.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The 4th Regional Convention of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) advances ABEs’ technology of bio secured projects to improve farm productivity.

The three-day technology promotion and convention from November 15-17 in the city of Cagayan de Oro further aims to improve farm efficiency in attaining food security and safety, and increased farmers’ and fisherfolk’s income, according to PSABE 10 president, Engr. Fidel M. Parian.

Technical papers by various resource persons who are experts in their fields were also presented to enhance local food production.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized the critical and powerful role of ABE that has become a vital and integral part of the development of the agri-fishery sector with this year’s theme: “Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers: Strong Key Players of the Agricultural, Fishery Industry for Food Secured Philippines.”

RTD Madriaga added that the ABE contributes to society by ensuring sufficient crop production of good quality and compliance with protocols and standards.

In line with the theme, DA-RFO 10 under the headship of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado has emphasized DA’s mandate to attain food availability, affordability, safety, and security in the Philippines by rebuilding the food value chain and enhancing local food production.

Also, exhibits and booth displays on agricultural machinery and equipment were presented to promote the development and adoption of appropriate mechanization technologies.

A special oathtaking ceremony was also conducted at the convention, in collaboration with the Professional Regulation Commission 10, for the 79 newly licensed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers coming from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga regions. # (Maria Paz M. Tablon)

The agri offices from the regional level and city government of Valencia City observe the Farmers’ Month celebration of said locality.

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – In recognizing farmers’ active involvement and contribution to the development of the agriculture sector, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) joined the City Government of Valencia in the culmination of its Farmers’ Month celebration in October 2022, in this city.

Spearheaded by the city through its agriculture’s office, the activity bears the theme: “Hamon ng Buhay Magsasaka ay Kayang Kaya basta tayo ay sama-sama.”, which aims to honor the hardworking farmers in the locality.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga extended her appreciation to the city government for their untiring support to the farmers.

For the year, the agri official bared, that DA-10 has provided around P27.63 million worth of agri interventions to Valencia City, comprising of rice and corn seeds, organic fertilizers, forage seeds, livestock, machinery, and infrastructure through the leadership of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Said agri assistance, was extended to Valencia as the City of Golden Harvest, the leading rice producer in Northern Mindanao, with 30,000 hectares (has) suitable for agriculture with 5,855 farmers cultivating 11,000 hectares for rice production.

Furthermore, RTD Madriaga urged the farmers to work hand-in-hand with the implementing sectors for them to be more empowered, financially independent, and to enable them to be more sustainable and productive in their farming.

“We, at the agri department, assures to strengthen the farming community in this city through partnership and effective service delivery.” she conveyed.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas expressed her gratitude to DA-10 for the support and provision of agri interventions to the farmers of Valencia City.

“As an agri-based city, the local government continues its mission to support the industry by addressing the needs of the farmers by providing different programs and services,” the local chief executive said.

During the activity, Mayor Huervas, Dir. Madriaga and City Agriculturist Connie L. Dalangan also awarded the city’s nominees for the Provincial Gawad Saka Search for the Outstanding Farmers for 2022. As part of the month-long celebration, the city likewise hosted a series of seminars on rice, corn, high valued crops, livestock production, balanced fertilization, among others.# (RDMElloren)