DA promotes agri programs, interventions in InfoCar Mis Or

INITAO, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in collaboration with the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Misamis Oriental (PAO-MisOr) conducted an Information Caravan for MisOr on September 8, in barangay Apas, to promote the different programs and interventions toward agricultural development.

This was participated by the farmers and agricultural extensionists from the towns of Villanueva, Manticao, El Salvador, Laguindingan, Tagoloan, Salay, Lugait, Initao, Lagonglong, Opol, Tagoloan, and Balingoan.

In her message, Mary Grace B. Sta. Elena, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) chief said that the InfoCar is the fourth leg to be held across the region, which aims to bring information and updates to the grassroots level, in order for the movers of the agri industry to avail, benefit and maximize various forms of assistance from the agri department and its partner agencies.

She added that the event also serves as a platform to solicit inputs in order to help improve and accelerate the implementation of DA’s projects and services.

Highlighted in the info sortie are updates on the programs, projects and interventions of DA-10 and PAO-MisOr; and El Niño: Its Effect on Agriculture and Mitigating Measures.

Other topics focused on Animal Health and Disease Management with emphasis on African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian influenza; livestock and crops insurance under the Philippine Crops Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), and the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief of MisOr Wilson V. Lagdamin likewise underscored that farmers and other relevant agri clienteles should signify their intent to gain access from the roster of support from DA through the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is a basic requirement.

Lagdamin further stated that additional documentary requirements will then be requested following such submission depending on the criteria set per form of agri assistance.
Spearheaded by DA’s info arm, RAFIS, the activity was also supported by Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Regulatory Division chief, and Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Field Operations Division chief. # (JLO)

Agri-10 convenes with rice retailers in Oro for the execution of EO 39.

City gathered in a convergence meeting on Thursday, September 7 called by the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 to ensure the implementation of Executive Order 39 or the imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice.

President Marcos’ issuance of EO 39 mandates a P41 per kilogram price ceiling for regular milled rice and a P45/kg price for well-milled rice in the markets effective September 5, 2023.

It mandates a coordinated effort among various agencies to ensure the strict implementation of the mandated price ceilings; intensify the fight against hoarding and illegal importation of rice; and take measures against cartels to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, chair of the Bantay Presyo Task Force together with other concerned national line agencies monitor the implementation of the said order.

In coordination with the City Price Coordinating Council of Cagayan de Oro City, the meeting aims to determine the situation in the major markets of the city and educate the retailers in determining the physical characteristics of milled rice.

Larry E. Paraluman, chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA-10 emphasized that the convergence initiative of the agencies in Region 10, comprising of DA, LPCC of CdeO, DTI, NFA, DSWD, PSA, DILG, DA BPI-PQS, Oro Chamber, DOLE and PNP is to determine the issues and concerns of the retailers.

“This meeting facilitates in-depth discussion, which will serve as the groundwork for the Regional Bantay Presyo Task Force to consolidate findings and provide recommendations to the President regarding the execution of EO 39,” Paraluman added.

Atty. Edgardo Uy, chair of CPCC stressed that one of the primary objectives of the meeting is to disseminate information on the Price Act which will enable the CPCC to proactively recommend potential problem-solving measures to implementing agencies, including the provision of technical training on rice classification.

Assistance programs from DSWD and DOLE to affected rice retailers were discussed but still awaiting the implementing guidelines.

Meanwhile, the DTI has started profiling rice retailers who will be possibly affected by the mandated price ceiling.

Franklin Dagkuta, president of Cogon Market Rice Retailers expressed its support with hopes of receiving the government’s assistance.

The Bantay Presyo Task Force has agreed to meet on September 11 for updates on the monitoring conducted. #(ATC)

The Convergence Initiative of the rural development agencies pushes for an improved RBME system.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) conducted a writeshop for the initial drafting of the Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) System Manual on August 29 to 31, 2023, in this city.

The said event was attended by members of the National Technical Working Group (TWG), Knowledge Management Component Working Group, and the Regional Convergence Initiative – TWG composed of the Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10), DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10 (DA-BFAR 10), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-10), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-10).

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and RCI-TWG focal person Carlota S. Madriaga underscored the importance of the workshop in assessing the impact of the NCI-SRD’s interventions through the attainment of its short – medium, and long-term goals.

Further, she reiterated the directive of the current administration which is the convergence of existing programs, projects, and activities of the different rural development agencies to increase its collective impact and benefit for the public.

The three-day writeshop focused on drafting and establishing the rationale, legal bases, and purpose of the manual, the history of the NCI-SRD Strategy Framework, the NCI-SRD Theory of Change Model, as well as the short-, medium-, and long-term results indicators for the RBME system.

DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (DA-BAFS) Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom, PFT, PhD who leads the NCI-SRD National Secretariat thanked the members present for their active participation in drafting the said document.

She added that the exchange and discussion of technical information by the participants provided insight into the decisions and agreements at the end of the workshop, thereby contributing greatly to the finalization of the manual by the first quarter of the following year.# (GDA)

The agri department in NorMin spearheads an exit conference for participatory monitoring and tracking of projects.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) conducted an exit conference for the joint Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and AFCs to monitor and track the progress of DA-funded programs and projects on September 1, 2023, in this city.

Said conference aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the implementation of various agricultural and fisheries projects funded by DA.

The provincial AFCs of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental presented their respective updates.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized the significance of the participatory approach in promoting inclusivity and empowering local communities.

“The joint effort between PCAF and AFCs has allowed us to gather valuable insights directly from the communities that are benefiting from our programs. Feedback enables us [in the agency] to make informed decisions and adjustments to better serve the needs of our farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao,” said Director Collado.

During the conference, participants reviewed the outcomes of the Participatory Monitoring Process, which involves engaging local communities and stakeholders in assessing the impact and effectiveness of DA-funded initiatives.

This is to ensure that the interventions provided are aligned with the needs and priorities of target agri-fishery communities.

The body further agreed that DA must revalidate the projects monitored, particularly those with issues and concerns that need to be addressed.

Present during the activity are Cyril L. Soliaban, officer-in-charge, deputy executive director of PCAF, RAFC 10 chair Nilda B. Salas and staff, DA-10 officials and programs staff, and other AFCs across NorMin.# (DLVicente)

DA-10 through its AMAD supports the registration and certification of NorMin agribiz enterprises.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducts a Facilitation in the Registration/Certification of farmers’ associations, cooperatives (FCAs) and young farmers’ agribusiness enterprises, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Twenty-one FCAs and 16 young farmers across Northern Mindanao attended the activity, which aimed to inform on the legal aspects of running a business, which is crucial to ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, streamlining administrative processes, and enabling these entities to better contribute to the agricultural ecosystem.

Said activity focused the discussion on the process and documentary requirements for the registration of their business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); product packaging and labeling with DTI; and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices for food operators.

Also presented were the steps for enrollment into DA-10’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS), and Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation, which will overall allow the participants to benefit from DA-10’s various interventions and services as well as serve as the department’s development partners in the implementation of agri-fishery projects.

With the activity at hand, DA-10 AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman is hopeful that they will maximize the opportunity to access the available resources and support, in order to foster sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen market linkages.

Also attending the event were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, AMAD senior agriculturist Rosell P. Tuba-on, and other agency personnel.# (MPMTablon)

DA-10 is set to provide cash assistance thru RCEF-RFFA to the rice farmers in NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) is set to distribute around 6,497 cash cards for its sixth batch of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance in Northern Mindanao through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Said cash cards were turned over by Northern Mindanao area manager William B. Parantar of the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and DA-10 Rice program coordinator Chona H. Nacalaban.

Using the cash cards, eligible rice farmers will receive P5K cash assistance under the RCEF-RFFA as stipulated under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

This initiative aims to help cushion the impact among rice farmers, especially on increasing production costs; thereby, contributing to lowering prices of rice. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 and City LGU of CdeO convene for the conduct of an onion derby within the city.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To help determine the suitability of planting onions in the city, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, convened with the City Agriculture’s Office (CAO) of CdeO at the agency compound, for the conduct of an Allium derby in said city.

The meeting is in response to the clamor of Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd district of CdeO to conduct a derby within the city.

This is following DA’s first-ever conduct in the region through its research stations in Malaybalay City and Dangcagan, Bukidnon, and Claveria, Misamis Oriental, to showcase the different onion varieties and farming technologies that would yield the best results across varied soil and climatic conditions.

Recognizing onions as a staple spice, DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan underscored that the conduct of such an initiative in CdeO will be beneficial for producers and consumers alike with its rising cost, at the same time conveyed the criteria for ideal onion-producing sites.

Initially, CAO-CdeO led by City Agriculturist Paterno L. Gonzales, have initially laid down potential sites for the onion derby in the city.#

CdeO hog raisers are seen to benefit from the INSPIRE program of DA-10. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Backyard hog raisers in sitio Tuburan of barangay Lumbia and other nearby localities here are seen to benefit from the P10-million (M) Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

On August 30, the agri department led by Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga together with the benefitting local government of CdeO through Acting City Administrator Atty. Roy Hilario P. Raagas along with Perla T. Asis, city veterinarian, and its department heads, led the groundbreaking for the construction of the almost P6-M biosecured swine facility in said sitio.

DA-10 Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc explained that the infrastructure is one of the components of the INSPIRE program, and is now being implemented in the area, following the grant of sentinel pigs to help the city bounce back in repopulating and upgrading the local swine industry in its bid to produce sufficient supply of hogs and pork.

It can be recalled that CdeO was first hit by African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease of pigs early in the year 2021.

“Dili siya usual nga tangkal lang nga inyong adtuan, apan kini na facility naa gyud siya’y disinfection, maligo gyud ta kay dili kapataka og sulod ang mga tawo, ug kung maka relate mo sa commercial farms, gi adopt ang iyang biosecurity measures.” Docdoc detailed.

Besides the soon-to-rise facility, the package of interventions under INSPIRE is composed of 300 head of piglets as initial stock (P2.55-M), 550 bags of feed (1.375-M), and drugs and biologics (P75K).

RTD Madriaga is pinning her hopes that said project will provide help to the people, especially the affected backyard hog raisers.

She added, “We are ensuring that the LGU will manage and operate the facility to safeguard its sustainability.”

The director furthered the importance of the city’s availment of assistance through DA’s National Livestock Program, as the region is one of the top swine producers across the country.

Per PSA report released last August 22, NorMin’s volume of hog production from April to June 2023 is recorded at 50.98K metric tons (liveweight).

On behalf of CdeO City Mayor Rolando A. Uy, Atty. Raagas lauded the national government’s support through DA as it also aligns with the city’s “Rise” framework which highlights metropolization as key for economic recovery.

“Mautro ang dagway sa atong resource mobilization sa atong nasud, akip na sa atong dakbayan. Ang dako na pahat didto nato itutok sa economic productivity apil na, ilabina ang agricultural production,” the official articulated.

Said community-based swine production facility is just one among the seven funded by DA-10 for the current year.

Also supporting the groundbreaking rite is DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief for Misamis Oriental Wilson V. Lagdamin, Tuburan local officials and residents, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).# (JLO)

The RCI-TWG conducts a final review and critiquing of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area Development Plan to jointly help in achieving clean and sustainable water resource for agriculture, industry, and economy

PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON — In its concerted efforts to advance a clean and sustainable water resource for agriculture, industry, and economy, the Regional Convergence Initiative – Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG) spearheaded the final review and critiquing of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP) on August 24, 2023.

The meeting follows the CADP writeshop conducted by the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City last May 16 to 19, 2023.

Members of the RCI-TWG in attendance include the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado as lead convener, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-10), and officials of the local government unit (LGU) of Pangantucan.

Discussed during the meeting were salient points of the Muleta CADP, presented by Pangantucan Municipal Agriculturist Teodoro B. Quirante III, including the watershed profile, major goals and strategies of the CADP, and the budgetary requirements for implementation from 2023 until 2027.

DA-10 Executive Assistant III Joel S. Rudinas enjoined the RCI-TWG to continuously offer their inputs to improve the plan and underscored the potential benefits of the CADP for the community of Pangantucan when approved.

“Through this CADP, we hope to convey that this kind of investment is urgent, very important, and very necessary because we have a vision and an end in mind. We are more excited about this project on account of the fact that there is an opportunity where we can work together [to] build up development in these areas,” Rudinas said.

Pangantucan Municipal Administrator Ian Boy A. Garcenila thanked the support of the RCI-TWG in developing the said plan toward progress and the development of their community.

Comments and suggestions from members of the RCI-TWG will be incorporated into the final document before the final presentation to the National Steering Committee for review and approval in October this year.# (GDA)
EPT

Agri-10 thru its RSL and FCAL undergo PAB accreditation audit for ISO 17025

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure the provision of quality and competent services through its laboratories, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado undergoes an accreditation audit on August 15-18, 2023, at the agency compound, in this city.

Particularly, the Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD)’s application for ISO 17025 accreditation for its Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) and Feed Chemical Analytical Laboratory (FCAL) were evaluated by the Philippine Accreditations Bureau (PAB) headed by its team leader Florean Cunanan.

ISO 17025 is a global quality standard for testing and calibration laboratories. Said audit aims to assess the region’s laboratories with regard to their compliance with management and technical requirements.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca highlighted the importance of the said activity to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results to provide quality service to agricultural clientele.

On one hand, RSL offers soils and fertilizers tests and analyses, refill of soil test kits for mobile soil analyses, and production of compost fungus activator.

On the other hand, FCAL extends feed, feed element and mineral analyses, activity tests, feed microscopy examinations, and aflatoxin tests.

Following a thorough inspection, audit findings will be presented to take the necessary corrective actions. # (AMBManto)