Pan-ay IPM Kasakalikasan FA, Inc. of Clarin, MisOcc bags the best communal garden award.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) together with the Northern Mindanao Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA), Pineapple Chapter virtually awarded the Pan-ay IPM Kasakalikasan Farmers Association, Inc. in Clarin, Misamis Occidental as the best communal garden regionwide on June 23, 2022.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and PAA Northern Mindanao Pineapple chapter President Carlota S. Madriaga said the contest supports the Plant, Plant program of DA-10 that advocates organic and diversified farming.

She added that the activity is to scale up the country’s food and nutrition security level amidst the pandemic while empowering localities on food production as a source of livelihood.

The top placer received a total worth P77K of agricultural interventions such as free-range chicken (10 modules), garden tools (1 set), wheelbarrow (1 unit), plastic crates (10 units), and 5-in-1 vegetable seeds (30 packets), a cash prize of P15K and a plaque of recognition.

Meanwhile, the Calaocalao Small Farmers Association, Inc. in Don Carlos, Bukidnon garnered second place and received agricultural interventions worth P52K such as free-range chicken (8 modules), garden tools (1 set), 5-in-1 vegetable seeds (30 packets), and wheelbarrow (1 unit), P12K cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

The third place went to barangay Libertad, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, and received agricultural interventions worth P38.5K such as free-range chicken (6 modules), 5-in-1 vegetable seeds (30 packets), and wheelbarrow (1 unit), P10K cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

Further, consolation prizes were conferred to other contenders: Sinai Rural Improvement Club Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, and Tangaro Young Farmers in Catarman, Camiguin.

With the establishment of the communal gardens, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that it is an effective way to plant and provide one’s food, especially at the height of the ongoing pandemic.

In March this year, the outstanding communal gardens were rated according to their physical arrangement, utilization of garden space, diversity of crops planted, adoption of technology innovations, and production yield. #(MPMTablon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Fourteen newly promoted and appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) take their oath of office on Friday, June 24 at the agency’s compound here in the city.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado administered the oath-taking of the fifth batch with the presence of Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga who at the same time the Chair of Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board and, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla and concerned division chiefs.

In his message, RED Collado emphasized that one must strive and aspire for growth to contribute to achieving the agency’s vision.

Below is the list of the DA-RFO 10 personnel with their corresponding positions and assignments:

Newly Promoted

1. Lorena V. Duna- Project Evaluation Officer V (Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division-PMED)
2. Wilson V. Lagdamin- Agricultural Center Chief II (Field Operations Division-FOD)
3. Ronald Allan P. Camado- Agriculturist II (Field Operations Division-FOD)
4. Caren A. Libre- Agriculturist II (Regulatory Division)
5. Mary Ann C. Adella- Engineer III (Regional Agricultural Engineering Division- RAED)
6. Rynell Richard U. Pahente- Engineer II (Regional Agricultural Engineering Division- RAED)
7. Julesben Cesar C. Maquiling- Veterinarian III (Integrated Laboratory Division-ILD)

Newly Appointed

1. Sanshynne U. Maglangit- Agriculturist I (Field Operations Division-FOD)
2. Elaine Joy D. Morante- Agriculturist I (Regulatory Division)
3. Meregel J. Pendang- Engineer I (Regional Agricultural Engineering Division- RAED)
4. Tyril Daniel L. Bacas- Laboratory Technician II (Integrated Laboratory Division-ILD)
5. Mary Ann Q. Behiga- Administrative Aide IV (Admin and Finance Division- AFD)
6. Jeanlie C. Valenzuela- Administrative Aide IV (Admin and Finance Division- AFD)

Re-appointment

1. Lowell R. Cambal- Science Aide (Research Division)

RTD Madriaga challenged them to sustain their commitments and dedication in performing their duties and responsibilities.

Meanwhile, RTD Bajarla reminded them to uphold government service in accordance with Republic Act 6713 or the Code and Ethical Standards of Public Officials as an important pillar in the establishment of good governance and ethical conduct of public servants.#(JCAnito)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To provide market opportunities to farmers cooperative and associations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) signs a Memorandum of Agreement with the AgriGlobal Ventures Food, Inc. and the Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LVFMC) on June 20, 2022, held in Cagayan de Oro City.

As stipulated in the agreement, LVFMC will produce and deliver their fruits and vegetables from their production area in Lantapan, Bukidnon to the Laguindingan Airport while AgriGlobal will be buying the cooperative’s products for a year or longer, depending on the needs of the company, on a cash-to-cash basis.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to AgriGlobal for helping farmers sell their products, “Rest assured that DA-10 will continue its support to LVFMC through the provision of interventions that can reduce their production cost and postharvest losses, and hope that their partnership with AgriGlobal will last long.”

The Makati City based AgriGlobal is known for supplying food to restaurants, hospitals, and local government agencies. “We hope that our problem with supply will be solved through this partnership. We are also happy that we are able to support the livelihood of farmers while doing our business,” said AgriGlobal Manager Ricardo M. Guanzon.

On the other hand, LVFMC General Manager Joel T. Rivera expressed, that they are very blessed and fortunate to be able to gain access to more markets not only in Bukidnon, but also outside the region.

The MOA signing was supported by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla and RTD for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.# (AMBManto)

FFS in Impasugong, Bukidnon teaches farmers’ knowledge on corn production with emphasis on integrated crop management cum GAP.

IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – To empower farmers in improving rural food security and income generation, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado launched the season-long Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Corn Production with Emphasis on Integrated Crop Management cum Good Agricultural Practices on June 14 and 16, 2022, this town.

Around 55 farmers from barangay Dumalaguing and sitio Mintapod of barangay Hagpa, convened to form a learning group that will meet weekly for four months, coinciding with their planting crop cycle.

The FFS otherwise known as a “School Without Walls” is a platform for improving the decision-making capacities of farming communities as well as encouraging local innovations for sustainable agriculture, at the same time.

Further, it involves farmers making choices in the methods of production through a discovery-based approach.

DA-10 Provincial Operations Chief of Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM said, that DA supports corn farmers on how to shift toward more sustainable production practices, improve food security, generate higher incomes, and create confidence among participants to improve their well-being.

On the other hand, Senior Agriculturist of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Impasug-ong, Dianne Jane B. Gante conveyed, that the training will reinforce the farmer participants’ knowledge, observations and analysis of their crops and farms which will be an essential tool to make their own location-specific decisions about crop management practices.

The facilitating agricultural extension workers will teach farmers about experimental studies related to Fertilizer Trial, Population Density Trial, Detasseling Trial, and Intercropping Trial.

A pre-and post-test will be conducted as part of every FFS for diagnostic purposes and for determining follow-up activities.

In his message, Mintapod sitio leader Mark Arthur A. Altohan said, “Lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa DA sa mga tulong na naiparating sa amin. Hinihikayat ko ang aking mga kasamahan na seryosohin at maging kooperatibo sa mga programa at proyekto ng gobyerno upang balang araw maipagmamalaki natin ang bunga ng ating pagsisikap.”

The cited activity was initiated by the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) funded by the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) and the Corn program of the agency which is also in support of Executive Order No. 70 of the NTF-ELCAC. #(RDMElloren)

With the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of sabong, DA-10 spearheads a consultation meeting on the guidelines on the movement of gamefowls.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado spearheaded a consultation meeting regarding the guidelines on the movement of gamefowls in Northern Mindanao.

DA-10 Veterinarian II, Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling, DVM shared, that the activity was conducted to address issues and concerns and discuss the additional preventive measures concerning the movement of gamefowls.

The meeting was attended by the provincial, city and municipal veterinary offices, DA-Bureau of Animal Industry National Veterinary Quarantine Services, DA-10’s Regulatory Division and Integrated Laboratories Division through its Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

He added that since the resumption of cockpit operations and the return of traditional cockfighting (sabong), many gamefowl handlers are now transporting their fighting cocks from one area to another.

DA Memorandum Circular No. 16, series of 2022 provides guidance and movement restrictions on several poultry-related commodities across different regions in the Philippines.

Among its salient provisions indicated that transport or movement of gamefowls from MIMAROPA, Visayas and non-affected cities/towns in Mindanao to any part of the country is allowed, provided that a veterinary health certificate and a negative Avian Influenza test result have been secured.

The body proposed on adopting a clustering approach for subject to approval or consensus of the different agencies.

It was further cited that should there be any depletion of test kits, private stakeholders may contribute thru their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by providing test kits and testing fees may also be free of charge.

Tentatively on June 27, another set of consultation meeting is set to tackle the gathered data from different game fowlers from the LGUs. # (RDMElloren)

DA-NorMin hosts the Minda-wide stakeholders meeting for soybean and sorghum.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In order to develop and implement industry plans for soybean and sorghum, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the national Corn Program, conducted a Mindanao-wide stakeholders’ meeting on June 8-10, 2022 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In his message, Rodolfo N. Panganiban, national focal person for soybean, said the meeting is conducted in view of DA memorandum 15 providing the inclusion of soybean and sorghum under the national Corn program since both crops are well-adapted to the country’s condition and are being used as ingredients in animal feeds and processed into value-added food products.

“This meeting is also done to assess the situation of soybean and sorghum production in Mindanao, consult with the stakeholders on their demand in the island, and draft a multi-year road map for the development of the mentioned crops.”

He added, to identify the existing varieties of soybeans in Mindanao, particularly in Bukidnon.

Further discussed is the creation of a Technical Working Group for soybean and sorghum at the regional levels.

Meanwhile, Cora A. Dumayaca, DA-10 Research Division chief said, the meeting is a way forward for developing the soybean and sorghum industry in Mindanao.

“It is a stepping stone, especially that both crops have great roles in achieving food security and sustainability in the country.”

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, she expressed her gratitude for the presence of multi-stakeholders at the event.

Gracing said meeting are focal persons of corn, soybean, and sorghum from regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, processors, and feed milling companies which include Anakciano, Global Agro Milling Industry, CJ Feeds, San Miguel Food, Inc., and Gama Foods. # (CRSeraspe)

Some employees of DA-10 join the Phl Independence Day celeb on June 12, 2022 at the Plaza Divisoria.

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado joins the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebration, earlier today, June 12, 2022 at the Plaza Divisoria in Cagayan de Oro City.

Centered on the theme: “Pagsuong sa Hamon sa Panibagong Bukas (Rise towards the Challenge of a New Beginning)”, CdeO City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno said, the observance is a way of honoring our heroes for their sacrifices, efforts and even their lives for a better country.

Addressing before a crowd of representatives from the different sectors and mostly, national government agencies, the local chief executive further highlighted that “everyone is a hero of his/her time”, adding that one’s contribution will help “ensure that the gains that they [heroes] have achieved will not be lost or wasted.”#(JLO)

DA-NorMin joins the Philippine Environment Month celebration by participating in the tree planting activity spearheaded by DENR and PRC.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of the Philippine Environment Month celebration, employees from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) who are members of the Philippine Association of Agriculturist – Pineapple Chapter planted about 150 pieces of narra tree seedlings on June 8, 2022, at the Malasag Hills, Cugman, this city.

Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), the said tree growing activity aims to raise awareness of the importance of growing and saving trees in order to help reduce the unfavorable effects of climate change.

Along with other national government agencies, said participating employees will earn six Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units as a mandatory requirement for the renewal of the professional identification cards of all registered and licensed professionals under the PRC. #(MPMTablon/Photo Credits: RDMElloren)

Agri dept in NorMin assures continued support to the agri-development of Malaybalay City under its Mayor-elect Pabillaran. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To keep up and further boost the province’s agricultural production capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado paid a courtesy visit to the newly elected mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The said meeting discussed ways forward in implementing more potential programs and projects between DA and the local government to aid farmers within the city under its new headship.

This includes the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance, and farm mechanization assistance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, among others.

Also present during the meeting were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief, Luz I. Guzman, PhD, and Provincial Operations Chief for Bukidnon, Janet D. Lopez, DVM. # (RDMElloren)

Corn farmers of Manolo Fortich is the first batch to get their fuel discount amounting to P3,000.00 each.

Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon – To cushion the impact of fuel price hikes on farmers and fishers in ensuring food security, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) officially launched the Fuel Discount Program for Corn Farmers at the Municipal Gym of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on June 3, 2022.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C Collado said, under the program, each qualified corn farmer is granted with P3,000.00 in fuel discount as part of DA’s instituted measures with the constant increase of fuel prices which affects agricultural operations, thus maximizing the utilization of farm machineries and facilities.

Some 131 corn farmers from said town were the first batch of the fuel subsidy program-recipients throughout region 10, which were pooled from funds of the DA-Corn Program.

Pursuant to the Special Provision of the General Appropriations Act for the current fiscal year, a total amount of P500 million (M) is apportioned to provide fuel discount to corn farmers, including that of fisherfolk for the machineries used in corn production from land preparation to postharvest activities and motorized boats for fishing operations.

For NorMin, the target is pegged at about 9,500 corn farmers with a total allocation of P28-M.

According to Richan D. Lacanaria, DA-10 corn focal person, the subsidy shall only be used to buy gasoline or fuel diesel from accredited petroleum retail outlets.

To qualify for the fuel subsidy, he added, a corn farmer must be duly registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and encoded in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS), and an individual or his/or farmer’s cooperative or association must also own functional machinery with proof of ownership and must be further listed in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

Marymee H. Castro of the Aggies Multi-Purpose Cooperative of barangay Maluko conveyed her appreciation for said assistance saying, “Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa DA na naisipan nila ang programang ito na makakatulong talaga sa aming mga magsasaka dahil sa taas ng bilihin ngayon, at halos ang mga gamit naming pansaka ay gumagamit ng gasolina na nakakadagdag sa production cost sa aming tinatanim na mais.”

She added that the fuel subsidy will be used for their coop’s corn sheller, corn mill and other postharvest facilities.

Recognizing that most of the municipality’s fuel discount program-beneficiaries are farmer cooperatives, association-members, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga further urged the attending farmers to form into clusters in order to avail more agri interventions from the government, especially those big-ticket projects such as the provision of farm tractors, combine harvesters, solar dryer facilities, warehouses, among others.

Under the Duterte administration and Secretary Dar’s helm, she said, that the agri department is advocating for farm consolidation and clustering, as it involves the integration of government interventions to organized farmer-groups, with the aim to empower stakeholders to reduce production costs and reap benefits in the agri value chain.# (Joanne L. Olson)