Agri NorMin’s celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month highlights the laudable contribution of farmers and fisherfolk to nation-building.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month this May 2022, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) launched the activity with the conduct of Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita trade exhibit, showcasing the produce of local farmers and fishers at the agency compound on May 16.

In his remarks, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado noted, that the celebration is annually observed to recognize the efforts and sacrifices of the Filipino farmers and fishers in ensuring food security and sustainability.

Said activity is also in observance of the feast of St. Isidore the Laborer, the patron saint of farmers and fisherfolk, which falls on May 15.

RED Collado also emphasized, that with the two-day Kadiwa display, local farmers and fishers, and other small to medium enterprises (SMEs) can showcase and sell their products to the employees and the public at reasonable prices for the consumers, as trading layers are already eliminated.

Participating in the Kadiwa exhibit are DA’s identified farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and other stakeholders, namely: Paglingkawas Women Federation; Tagpuangi Fisherfolk Association; Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Marketing Cooperative; Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association; Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers’ Cooperative; Milalittra Farmers Agriculture Cooperative; and Imbayao Community-based Participatory Action Research Association.

Together with the newly installed Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC) chair Reynaldo M. Cabanao, who is at the same time, the farmer-director for the month of May, the FCAs were recognized for their efforts in supporting the department in providing adequate food, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We proudly say, that Northern Mindanao is sufficient with the major crops and livestock products, as our farmers and fisherfolk have worked hard on their farms to provide us with fresh and nutritious food. Importantly, we were able to supply other regions with the commodities they needed,” Collado expressed.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared, that the department has started celebrating the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month since May 1989, through Presidential Proclamation No. 33.

She revealed, that this year’s Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month bares the theme: “Modernisasyon at Industriyalisasyon tungo sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita.”

Likewise, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region-10, through Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez handed over the certificates of award to the following farmers and academe as learning sites for agriculture: Casa Amante Farm; Tikala Natural Farms; Gono Farm; JB Strawberry Farm; and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria’s Pandemic Farm and Center for High Value Crops.

Further launched in its first-ever year, DA-RFO 10 employees also showed off their athleticism, as they participated in the Larong Lahi in the ‘Hugyaw’ Sports Festival, held at the agency compound, which aims to foster employees’ sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie.# (EMBentulan/Photo Credits: RDMElloren)

PhilRice partners with DA-10 to boost the promotion and consumption of Golden Rice.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote awareness and consumption of Golden Rice in the country, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in collaboration with DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) held a stakeholder meeting on May 17, 2022, this city.

DA-PhilRice Agusan Branch Bureau Director, Dr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado stated, that said event aims to introduce and seek support from different stakeholders on the production and deployment of Golden Rice.

Said rice variety is genetically modified that contains beta carotene which is a source of vitamin A. It is safe to eat and it costs and tastes just the same as regular rice.

Further, Golden Rice can help in the fight against Vitamin A Deficiency which weakens the body’s visual and immune system, especially in children.

In 2019, it passed a biosafety assessment and was declared, “as safe as conventional rice” by DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI).

Additionally, the Philippines is the first-ever country in the world to have approved genetically engineered rice with nutritional benefits.

Lanao del Norte, being listed as one of the priority provinces of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) with high stunting incidence from the 2015 Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) data, is one of the chosen pilot areas for the program.

“As part of the pilot-scale deployment, we have allocated seeds to be planted in Lanao del Nortethis year, which will then be deployed to farmers and consumers,” shared Program Leader Dr. Ronan Zagado of the Golden Rice-Project Management Office of DA-PhilRice.

Said meeting was attended by representatives from different government agencies such as DA-PhilRice, DA-BPI, DA-Agricultural Training Institute, Department of Health, NNC, Provincial Local Government of Lanao del Norte, International Rice Research Institute and the academe. # (AMBManto)

The Research Center for Upland Development of DA-NorMin in Dangcagan, Bukidnon, hosts the conduct of a corn derby to feature different hybrid corn varieties produced by private seed companies, and their corresponding package of technologies.

DANGCAGAN, BUKIDNON – To seek promising corn varieties and technologies available in the market, the Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO10) administered the ceremonial planting at the agency’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) on Friday, May 13, 2022, this town.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the activity will serve as a venue for showcasing the different cultural management practices and performance of corn varieties for eventual adoption at the farmers’ level.

The generated results of the derby will be one of the bases for the department’s seed procurement and for location-specific recommendations.

For this year’s wet season, six private seed companies are participating and have started planting their hybrid corn varieties using their respective protocols.

With an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, the station allocated almost two hectares for the corn production area, where each company was allotted with 1,000 square meters per variety.

Joining with their entries are Corteva AgriScience (P3530YHR, P3660YHR); Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc. (J505, SUPREME 5150); Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc. (B108G, H101G); Evo Gene Seeds, Corp. (EVO 710, EVO 9815); Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (NK6410BGT, NK306BGT); and Bayer Crop Science Philippines (DK8899S, DK8131S).

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga led the activity with Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC) chair Reynaldo M. Cabanao, who is at the same time Farmer-Director for the month of May. # (MPMTablon)

DA-10 through its SAAD program hands over various agri inputs for the food production of the army and former rebels.

The Department of Agriculture-Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), turned over agricultural inputs to the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion on Thursday, May 12, as part of the agency’s agri intervention in support of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

SAAD’s agri inputs comprised 25 bags of organic fertilizers and 50 packs of assorted vegetable seeds intended for food for the army and former rebels who surrendered to the 58th IB.

DA-10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado continuously provides free planting materials, vegetable seeds, and other agricultural assistance to uplift the lives of former rebels.#(DA-10 SAAD)

DA-NorMin preps for the farmers’ and fisherfolk’s celebration, this May, as a way to pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of farmers and fishers to nation-building.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The management committee members and representatives from the different operating units of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) convened for a preparatory meeting for the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration, this May.

With the theme: “Modernisasyon at Industriyalisasyon tungo sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita”, the department tackled the series of activities to be staged for said observance, which includes the awarding of outstanding farmers and fishers, and Kadiwa implementers, the conduct of a sportsfest and Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita exhibit.

Also welcomed during the meeting is Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council Chair (AFC) Reynaldo M. Cabanao, who is installed as the Farmer-Director for this month.

He will exercise routinary functions and semi-policy activities for a deeper understanding of how the agency works, which is eyed for a bolstered partnership between the government and the private sector.

Among his tasks include representing the regular regional executive director (RED) during opening and closing ceremonies, and program launchings; conducting lectures on the implementation of DA-RFO 10 key programs and projects; call for management committee meetings, and act as presiding officer with a focus on AFC matters to ensure successful advocacy of policy agenda and operations of targeted activities; conduct facilities visitation, and submit recommendations relative to his experience in fulfilling cited position.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 33, annually the month of May is declared the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month to give due recognition to the invaluable contributions of farmers and fishers to nation-building. # (JLO)

This year’s conduct of a Corn Derby kicks off in DA’s research station, Research Center for Hilly Land Development in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Said activity aims to feature different hybrid corn varieties and package of technologies from the different participating seed companies for farmers’ eventual adoption.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Corn program conducted a ceremonial planting for this year’s wet season at the agency’s Research Center for Hilly Land Development (RCHD), this town.

On May 11, the activity kicked off where the participating seed companies planted their hybrid corn varieties in an almost two-hectare area at the station and was led by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga.

Six private seed companies joined the said corn derby such as Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc., Corteva Agriscience, Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc., Evo Gene Seeds Corp., Bayer Crop Science Philippines, and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. to showcase their various genetically modified (GMO) hybrid corn varieties.

Each seed company has been allotted 1,500 square meter-area for their two hybrid corn entries. Of which, they will grow using their respective package of technology.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the corn derby is an initiative of DA-10 inviting private seed companies to showcase their best hybrid seeds to entice farmers on adopting hybridization.

The generated results from the activity will be one of DA-10’s bases in the procurement of corn seeds and in coming up with location-specific recommendations for varieties, she added.

The activity will also be conducted at DA-10’s two other research centers: Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City; and Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon. # (RDMElloren)

Agri NorMin thru AMAD spearheads a data validation meeting for the inflow and outflow of agri-fishery commodities in R-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) conducted a data validation meeting for the inflow and outflow of agri-fishery commodities in the region on April 29, 2022, in this city.

Jenny D. Alcobilla, agribusiness and industry support section chief of DA-AMAD 10, said that the meeting was conducted to harmonize the data gathered from three sources, which include the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Services 10 (DA-BPI PQS 10), DA-Bureau of Animal Industry-National Veterinary Quarantine Services 10 (DA-BAI NVQS 10), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

“After we harmonize the data, we will be presenting this to the various agribusiness enterprises and representatives of various sectors. These will be helpful to them, especially to the private sector, as a reference for their production and marketing.”

She emphasized that the meeting is part of their section’s mandate which is to to provide reliable and timely market information and updates.

Said meeting is the first to be conducted for the year 2022.

In attendance are representatives of the banner programs of DA-10, together with representatives from PQS, NVQS, and PPA.# (CRSeraspe)

DA-ACEF Regional Coordinating Unit 10, together with LBP account officers conduct monitoring of Lanao Norte ACEF loan grantees, who have availed credit for the purchase of farm inputs and improvement, as well as acquisition/establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment, and facilities.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a bid to fast-track payment collections, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF) Regional Coordinating Unit 10, together with the account officers of the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), recently met with the ACEF loan program grantees of Lanao del Norte (LDN) province.

Under the said agricultural lending program, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that it intends to provide credit to farmers and fisherfolk and their cooperatives and associations, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs), to boost their productivity; thereby enhancing the competitiveness among targeted project-beneficiaries.

With LBP managing the credit facility pooled from the fund, LDN associations and individuals, comprising of abaca production borrowers from Iligan City; milkfish, fingerlings, and palay production borrowers from Lala town; and a Lakatan production borrower from Matungao, were guided on how to go about their payment loans and tackled issues arising from the matter.

Said beneficiaries have availed loans under ACEF for the purchase of farm inputs and improvement, as well as acquisition/establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment, and facilities.

Under the ACEF loan program, eligible borrowers may loan up to P5 million (M) per project loan per farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives, associations, and MSEs, while P1-M per individual farmer/fisher.

Also supporting the event is DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, together with Supervising Agriculturist Ferdinand F. Caballe of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, and other DA-10 staff. # (JCAnito)

DA-NorMin highlights its Kadiwa program during the Duterte legacy caravan held on April 28, 2022 at the headquarters of PRO 10, Camp Alagar, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) underscored its Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program during the Duterte legacy caravan spearheaded by the Police Regional Office 10 at Camp Alagar, Lapasan on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

“With the activity highlighting the contributions and impact of the Duterte administration on the Filipinos, the agency brought the different farmers and fisherfolk-exhibitors for the conduct of a Kadiwa at the regional headquarters grounds,” explained DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, Kadiwa is a marketing platform that provides a direct link between agricultural producers and consumers to gain access to quality, fresh, nutritious, and reasonable agri-fishery commodities, and other food products.

More than 1,500 individuals from various advocacy support groups and force multipliers were in attendance, who have also availed on-site services from the participating government agencies.

Besides the Kadiwa setup, assorted vegetable seeds were provided to the attendees to encourage more individuals and groups to support DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program or Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat laban sa COVID-19. # (JCAnito)

The 33^rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week emphasizes the vital role of agri biosystems engineers amid the COVID-19 crisis.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Further improvement in farming through mechanization and digitalization in all stages of the value chain of all commodities increases farmers’ income while ensuring food security of the country,” said ASEAN Engr. Teodoro C. Eleda, the president of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (PSABE), Inc.

During the 33rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week, Region 10 hosted the 18th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference; the 71st PSABE Annual National Convention; and the 7th ASEAN Regional Convention from April 25-27, here in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Participated in by over 1,600 registered and aspiring ABEs worldwide (face-to-face and online), the celebration bares the theme: “Transforming ABE technologies for adequate and sustainable advancement in this crisis situation.”

Engr. Eleda shared, that Agricultural Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) have a special focus on the mechanization and digital transformation of the country’s agricultural sector.

The event highlighted the recognition and awarding of the region’s honorary members, who were also the speakers of the plenary discussion with Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Director Dr. Junel B. Soriano and Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, the technical adviser of the Department of Agriculture Strategic Communications.

Dr. Estigoy expressed, that said honorary membership is the highest recognition given to individuals that support and have a vital impact on PSABE.

The session discussed on various government projects and programs that involve agricultural biosystems engineering and its contribution to the community as it faces different challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Fever, Bird flu, and the sudden price increase of farm inputs, climate change, among others.

Biosystems engineering emphasizes the application of engineering principles to plants, animals, humans, and microorganisms.

It includes the development of tools and techniques to enhance the interaction and well-being of humans, and animals and the preservation and enhancement of natural resources and the environment.

In his video message, Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar remarked, that ABE has the potential in enhancing the sustainability of the country’s agriculture in all aspects from the development and correct use of innovative machineries in working within the mechanism of life itself.

Moreover, DA NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, one of the region’s awarded honorary PSABE members mentioned, that DA-10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Department (RAED) has a total of 62 manpower deployed in its five provinces.

He added that the role of RAED is vital and indispensable as it serves the department’s banner programs from planning to project implementation, such as small-scale water impounding projects, farm-to-market roads, warehouses, cold storage, and various farm machineries and equipment, and others.

“DA-10 RAED team serves as overseer of our various projects in the different provinces to maximize its services to the local farmers as they needed,” Collado stated.

Also awarded with the PSABE honorary membership is MisOr. Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, who was represented by the Provincial Agriculturist Jose Apollo Pacamalan; University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (UST) President Dr.Ambrosio B. Cultura II; Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Executive Director Dr.Liza G. Battad represented by Engr.Francia M. Macalintal; and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (AMMDA) Foundation, Inc. President Joel R. Panagsagan.

As the celebration was launched, the PSABE earlier conducted a tree planting and clean-up drive in Opol, Misamis Oriental, and motorcade around the city.# (EMB)