DA-10 through its OA program spearheads the conduct of the 7th ROAC in CdeO City, mustering  70 organic practitioners, advocates and other relevant stakeholders regionwide to exchange knowledge, experiences and strategies to further OA farming.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) helmed by Director Carlene C. Collado through its Organic Agriculture (OA) program convenes about 70 organic practitioners, advocates and other relevant stakeholders regionwide for the conduct of the 7th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) on November 6-7 here.

With this year’s theme: “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OA”, the activity sought for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and strategies to further promote and develop the organic agriculture industry in Northern Mindanao pursuant to OA of 2010, as amended by RA 11511.

It also highlighted organic farming as a potent tool for the development, environmental conservation, and health protection of farmers, consumers and the public, at the same time serving as a venue for farmers and agripreneurs to showcase their organic and naturally grown harvest and products.

As the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change chair, Senator Cynthia A. Villar rendered a message to the ROAC participants via a short video clip emphasizing the salient feature of the amendment of the organic law as well as the benefits in the adoption of OA.

“Ang RA 11511 ay naglalayong palakasin ang OA sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) accreditation ng mga small farmer ay maparami sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga community-based organic agriculture organizations,” the official remarked.

Likewise, the senator detailed that the PGS is an alternative and cheaper option compared to the third-party organic certification and is seen to help about 165K small organic farmers throughout the country.

“Maganda mag produce ng organic products dahil ito’y nabebenta na mas mahal ikompara sa conventionally produced agricultural products lalo na kung ito’y certified at dahil marami ng health conscious na naghahanap ng ganitong produkto,” she quipped.

Senator Villar further noted that OA practices help improve the quality of our soil and water.

“Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa degradation ng ating soil na ngayon ay nasa 38% at ma-save ang environment.”

Offering a supportive environment towards the advancement of OA, the confab featured presentations focused on RA 11511, updates on the implementation of OA program at the national and regional levels, guidelines on the implementation of OA Livelihood Projects (OALP), and Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, Series of 2022 between DA and the Department of the Interior and Local Government which underscores the pivotal roles and responsibilities of local government units (LGUs) in propagating and developing further and implementing the practice of OA in the different localities.

Of which, the latter provides the provision of subsidies and incentives to practicing organic farmers, technical assistance and support to LGUs for the establishment and strengthening of local organic seed centers, distribution of organic seeds, planting materials, animals, and aquaculture for organic farm inputs, among others.

During the event, the provincial OA focal persons from the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental also presented their respective OA industry profiles, roadmap and plans for a minimum of three years to help set a direction for the implementation of OA across the region.

“DA needs strong coordination among relevant government agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders through the conduct of sustained and massive national and community-based action,” DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga noted, saying this is the key to an effective and successful implementation of OA programs and its components.

Also highlighted in the Congress is the awarding of certificates of recognition to ten PGS organic certifying bodies in Region 10, namely: the Molijon Family Garden, Villa de Pietro Agricultural Farms, Lo Osting Farmville, Pendato Integrated Organic Farm, Rama’s Nature Farm, Green Wonder Farm, Garrucho’s Garden and Diversified Farm, Engallado Nature Farm and Natural Food Products, Anpa’s Farm, and the Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm.

Further, recognized were the five OA youth scholars under DA-Agricultural Training Institute’s Youth Scholarship Grant on Organic Farming program. These are Roel B. Omega, Jeriel E. Canonigo, Najer J. Mama, Jenny Jamisola and Rey Mark U. Anggoy. # (JLO)

As observance of the OA month, organic farming practitioners showcase their organic and naturally grown harvest and products during the 7th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some organic agriculture practitioners from Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental provinces gathered last November 6-7 to feature their organic and naturally grown harvest and products during the 7th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress.

Said activity coincides with the observance of National Organic Agriculture Month per Presidential Proclamation 1030 issued on May 21, 2015 declaring the month of November as Organic Agriculture Month.

The celebration underscores the importance of organic agriculture as an alternative farming system that ensures environmental preservation and health protection of farmers, consumers, and the public. # (JLO)

R-10 government agencies convene for a validation of CdeO-Opol gold exploration project. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with the proposed Cagayan de Oro-Opol Gold Exploration Project of the Philippine Mining Development, Corp. (PMDC), the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) convened a validation team from the Mines and Geoscience Bureau – Region 10 (MGB-10), Bureau of Soils and Water Management – Central Office (BSWM-CO), City Government of Cagayan de Oro and the PMDC for a joint ground validation on Tuesday, November 7, in this city.

In a pre-validation meeting presided by DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, the inter-agency validation team leveled off in carrying out the ground validation in light of pertinent legal mechanisms and guidelines.

The ground validation mainly aims to identify and ascertain the presence and location of the Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ) covered within the 992 hectares prospected tenement of the PMDC’s exploration project.

As prescribed under Executive Order No. 79 series of 2012, areas classified as SAFDZ are no-go zones for mining.

Results and findings of the joint ground validation will be subsequently endorsed to the MGB-10 and its national directorate office as the basis for Exploration Permit issuance.

The PMDC’s Cagayan de Oro-Opol Gold Exploration Project covers barangay Taglimao, Tuburan, Pigsag-an, and Tumpagon in Cagayan de Oro City, and barangay Tingalan, Nangcaon, and Cauyonan in Opol, Misamis Oriental.# (ATT)

A joint team assesses the composting facilities for biowastes in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The assessment team for the composting facility for biodegradable wastes (CFBW) paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado discussing their field assessment for Composting Facility for Biodegradable Wastes (CFBWs) in Misamis Oriental, at the agency compound.

The team is led by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, National Organic Agriculture Program, High Value Crops Program with the UPLB- Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC).

AMTEC Director Dr. Arthur L. Fajardo said that it aims to determine the operational status of said agricultural facilities, as well as to further optimize their use for converting agricultural wastes into biomass to be mixed with other organic materials.

It covers the CFBWs distributed in Cagayan de Oro City, the cities of El Salvador and Gingoog, and from the municipalities of Talisayan, Balingoan, Sugbongcogon, Salay, Lagonglong, Balingasag, Jasaan, Tagoloan, Villanueva, Claveria, Gitagum, Initao, Libertad, Lugait and Opol of Misamis Oriental.

Results of the said validation will be presented to the DA-10 management for recommended action, Fajardo said.

Meanwhile, RED Collado underscored the importance of said activity in determining the impact of agricultural facilities provided by DA to the communities, especially in line with the agency’s bid to promote and develop organic agriculture within the region.

“Through this assessment, we strive to engage with our local communities, not only to determine the state of these CFBWs, but also to foster a renewed appreciation and understanding for organic agriculture, and address concerns accordingly,” RED Collado said.

AMTEC is responsible for conducting laboratory and field tests on all agricultural machinery to verify machine specifications, performance quality of manufacturers, and their suitability to local farming conditions.

Said meeting was attended by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and members of the validation team, including Engr. Madel E. Vidallon BAFE, and Science Research Specialist I Raffy Reydado from the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), and supported by DA-Regional Agricultural Engineering Division and Organic Agriculture Program.# (DLV)

DA-10 through AMAD spearheads the regional judging for the Young Farmers Challenge for the start-up category.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), spearheads the regional judging for the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) for the start-up category at the agency compound here.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the YFC start-up is a competitive financial grant assistance program for the youth who wish to engage in new or start-up agri-fishery enterprises; thereby, encouraging such sectors to pursue careers in agriculture.

Some 14 individuals have pitched their business model canvass, where ten have presented for the production category while four for processing.

Of whom were qualified at the regional level competition after being hailed as provincial winners representing Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental.

Out of the presenters, only seven will be adjudged as winners: three from the processing category while four will be coming from the production category, with one slot added to the latter in the absence of an entry for digital agriculture.

Regional awardees will receive an additional financial grant of P150K on top of their previous grant amounting to P80K for winning at the provincial level.

Another P300K also awaits those who will move to the national level of the YFC start-up competition.

The panel of judges is composed of DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, Executive Assistant III, Joel S. Rudinas and Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council – 10 Chair, Nilda B. Salas.#(DLV)

DA-10 through AMAD holds a planning workshop to improve their services delivery in Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — Pushing for synergistic delivery of services in the province, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) staged a planning and coordination workshop for agribusiness coordinators and municipal agriculturists in Bukidnon on October 26 to 27.

Representatives from the agriculture offices of 17 towns and two cities in Bukidnon, as well as its provincial agriculture office, were apprised of the agency’s programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) for market information, market linkage and product promotion, agribusiness promotion, and agribusiness development services.

Said offices also presented their respective updates of activities and operational status of agri inputs and infrastructures (food terminals) provided by DA.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the planning workshop aims to foster a more efficient coordination with these agriculture offices to better implement the agency’s PPAs at the local level, as well as to provide the necessary support.

In consonance with the said objective, the workshop’s output is a work plan for CY 2024 that provides guidance on the localized conduct of PPAs to effectively address the province’s needs and concerns in agribusiness and marketing.
AMAD Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe said that it also puts a premium on the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program, to which he enjoined the participating offices to link with qualified farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in their areas and apply for funding assistance.

Likewise, the division urged the agribiz coordinators to relay the knowledge and information shared during the two-day session to their respective local government units, citing its importance in streamlining project implementation, impact assessment and monitoring, and concerns resolution.

Supporting the activity were DA-10 Provincial Operations Center of Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Agribusiness and Industry Support Services section chief Jenny D. Alcobilla, and other AMAD staff.# (GDA)

San Fernando, Bukidnon is eyed to receive an FMR project under PRDP Scale-Up.

The Concreting of Mahayag, Namnam – Iglugsad – Kibongkog Farm-to-Market Road in San Fernando, Bukidnon was officially launched as part of the 20 pioneer subprojects under the PRDP Scale-Up on November 6, 2023 in Cubao, Quezon City.

Being the first approved PRDP Scale-Up subproject in Northern Mindanao, the said FMR is 8.56 kilometers in length, with an estimated project cost of Php260,000,000.00.

The FMR covers 2,185 hectares of influence area, which will be enjoyed by 1,503 farming households, especially farmers of abaca, and thousands of indigenous people.

Newly appointed DA Secretary Francisco T. Laurel, Jr. leads the awarding of the certificate with the World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines Dr. Ndiamé Diop, together with DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, DA Assistant Secretary for Operations and DA-PRDP National Project Director Arnel V. De Mesa and DA-PRDP National Deputy Project Director Shandy M. Hubilla.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado received the certificate of award with Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, San Fernando Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke, San Fernando Association of Barangay Captains President Flordeliza M. Yeke and San Fernando Municipal Agriculturist Coleen Alva C. Ambos.

The PRDP Scale-Up is a flagship program of the DA designed to address the gaps in the commodity value chains by improving the efficiency of the food supply chain towards greater connectivity, mobility, accessibility, availability, and affordability of food in the market through the scientific-based implementation of infrastructure and enterprise subprojects.#

DA-10 supports CdeO City tribal council via the provision of veggie seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with the celebration of the 26th Indigenous Peoples Month, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over vegetable seeds on October 26, at the agency compound, in this city.

A total of 30 packets of 5-in-1 (Pinakbet) vegetable seeds were handed over by Supervising Agriculturist Chona H. Nacalaban, High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, and Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas to CdeO City Tribal Council Indigenous Political Structure, Inc. Treasurer Datu Eduardo G. Baroza.

On receiving the seeds, Datu Baroza shared that said provision will uplift the condition of their members, “The seeds will be given to our IP farmers that will greatly help them as a source of food and income.” # (AMBM)

DA-10 together with BPI highlights the importance of food safety in one of the conduct of its mini program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To prevent foodborne illnesses, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and the Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Product Safety Services Division (BPI-PPSSD) emphasizes the importance of food safety during the agency’s conduct of a mini program, on October 23.

BPI-PPSSD Biologist Roxette Ann D. Quindala said that there are 5 pillars to ensure food safety: cleaning and sanitizing, personal hygiene, food storage, temperature control, and food handling, which are key to sustaining life and promoting good health.

Under Republic Act 10611, otherwise known as the Food Safety Act of 2013, the agri department shall establish standards and codes of practice for fresh foods from the primary production and postharvest stages of the food supply chain.

Further, said act is designed to protect the health and interests of consumers by ensuring that the food they purchase and consume is safe, wholesome, and of good quality.

Present at the event were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca and other agency personnel.# (MPMT/Photo supplied)

FCAs and institutions of Region 10 are soon to benefit from the establishment of small-scale composting facility thru DA-BSWM.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and institutions are eyed to benefit from the P450K worth for the establishment of Small-Scale Composting Facility (SSCF) across the region.

On October 23, DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), in the presence of its officials, Carlene C. Collado and Carlota S. Madriaga, as they seek logistics support from the agency in the implementation of said projects funded under the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP).

DA-BSWM through Project Assistant III Irene D. Santiago said that a total of 15 units of Technology Package on SSCF targeted regionwide with the following distribution: 4 for Bukidnon province, Camiguin (1), Misamis Oriental (5), Lanao del Norte (2), and Misamis Occidental (3).

She added that the facility consists of a size reduction machine, 2 units of tea brewer, and 15 kilos of African Night Crawler (ANC).

The DA-BSWM team and Compost Production Implementation team assigned in Region 10 will jointly facilitate the inspection a month after the delivery of the units to ensure that they are properly installed, functional, and in good working condition.

Further, DA-10 Organic Agriculture focal person Mark Anthony D. Lagamon detailed that the targeted beneficiaries are required to attend the training on the operation and maintenance of SSCF prior to its utilization to properly equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively operate and maintain the facility.# (MPMT)