Agri NorMin spearheads a coordination meeting for the F2C2 program to tackle updates relevant to said program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) organized a coordination meeting for Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said under Administrative Order 27, Series of 2020, “Establishing the F2C2 program towards greater inclusive Agribusiness development in the country”, which aims to mainstream, promote and support clustering and consolidation, and enhance productivity and income of farmers and fishers.

The activity led by DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria, tackled F2C2 updates and the possible interventions that could be provided for clusters through the agency’s banner programs based on the submitted Cluster Development Plan, including an introduction to the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA).

Pipelined projects for 2022 include swine repopulation and provision of facilities for the Livestock Program; agricultural machinery for Corn Program; combine harvester for Rice Program; and agricultural supplies for High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

Meanwhile, DA-10 Agriculturist II Marnelly P. Flores introduced ACEA, a sequence of steps where farmers ‘learn by doing’ and a guide for smallholder farmers on agro-entrepreneurship where farmers and fishers shift their mindset from just being producers, but agri-entrepreneurs.

Following the coordination meeting, the team will undertake various activities such as validation of new clusters, finalization of development plan, registration of cluster members into the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), assess clusters to allow them to achieve more impact, and strengthen coordination that of clusters with DA-10 through its provincial operations centers.

Attending the meeting are DA-10 Supervising Agriculturist Audy G. Maagad, provincial and municipal agriculture officers, and other attached agencies of DA. # (MPMTablon)

Agri NorMin officially launches its P100-M smart greenhouse in NMACLRC in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, in the presence of DA USec Lavina and EPIS president Mr. Jong-Soon Lee, and other DA-10 officials led by RED Collado. Said facility is eyed to boost the production of quality strawberry, cherry tomato and white potato. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) officially launched its fully constructed P100-M Smart Greenhouse inside its research station, the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Friday, April 1.

The Smart greenhouse is a state-of-the-art agricultural project granted by the South Korean government funded through its Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines, featuring Smart Greenhouse Technology for innovative production of strawberry, cherry tomato and white potato.

Mr. Jong-Soon Lee, President of Korean Agency of Education Promotion and Information Service (EPIS) in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries said the Smart Greenhouse has been established based on Korean Smart Greenhouse Technology after customizing the Philippine climate and various conditions.

“Korean Smart Greenhouse Technology has been proven in terms of productivity and effectivity. I hope today’s event will serve as a meaningful step forward in developing the Philippine Agriculture by successful cooperation between Korea and the Philippines,” he said.

DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops and Rural Credit, Evelyn Laviṅa said that with the technology shared by the Korean government, it is high time to look into the modernization of the country’s agriculture.

She furthered escalating local production of high-value crops is highly potential with the use of the technology, particularly by enhancing production competitiveness of small and mid-sized farmers.

“This technology will greatly help in the national agenda of the Duterte administration towards Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita. This new technology is crucial in feeding the next generation,” she said, delivering DA Secretary William D. Dar’s message.

The Smart Greenhouse Project was subdivided into four components namely, the establishment of Smart Farm composed of 11 fully-automated Smart Greenhouses and 1 cold storage facility, development of a local distribution system, dispatch of experts, and capacity building for potential technology adopters.

The project is being co-implemented by the DA-RFO 10, EPIS in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with its three consortia: the Hangkyong National University (capacity building), Shinhan Globe (system), and Shinhan A-Tec (farm establishment).

Through the project, DA-RFO 10 primarily aimed to increase the production of quality strawberry, cherry tomato, and white potato as the next trademark products of Northern Mindanao.

In his message, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado assured the DA’s Korean partners of the agency’s interest and commitment to the Smart Greenhouse Project.

“We are very thankful for being the only region in the entire Mindanao to be chosen as the recipient of the Smart Greenhouse Project. Certainly, we will share the technology to our farmers not only in Bukidnon, but in all five provinces of Northern Mindanao, particularly through the promotion of Smart Farming and precision agriculture,” he averred.

Aside from being a research and training center, DA-RFO 10 is planning to open the Smart Greenhouse to the public as agri-tourism destination in the region.

Supporting the activity were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and RTD for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, with DA-10 ManCom members, OneDA member agencies and LGUs.#(ATalib)

LVFMC of Lantapan, Bukidnon receives the P1.9-M financial aid thru DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao turns over P1.9 million worth of financial aid to Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LVFMC) on Friday, March 25, 2022.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed the check to Danilo L. Adrayan, Chair of the LVFMC in support of their operations for the procurement of hauling vehicle under the agency’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program.

RTD Madriaga said DA’s program focuses on ensuring food availability and accessibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

She added that DA provides financial assistance to participating eligible organizations and local government units to enhance their capacities in value-adding activities in the food supply chains.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado explains, “DA provides assistance to cooperatives in purchasing hauling trucks so they can sell their produce directly to the buyers”.

According to LVFMC Chair Danilo L. Adrayan, the transportation support will greatly benefit not only their cooperative but including small local farmers in their area who produce high-value crops and lowland vegetables.

They supply weekly to the private and public hospitals in Bukidnon from the produce of their members and non-member small farmers which sustains its operation even at the onset of the pandemic.

The cooperative has 80 active members operating around 40 hectares of land in producing high-value crops which include, broccoli, potato, parsley, cauliflower, cabbage among others.

Mr. Adrayan expressed his optimism that they can supply more areas, expanding its market to other regions.#(ATC)

BPI team pays Agri NorMin headed by RED Collado for a discussion on the Korean-funded capabuild on insect pest identification using remote microscopy system.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, National Plant Quarantine Division (DA-BPI NPQSD) representatives with Mr. Bong Hoon Lee, an entomologist from Sunchon National University (SCNU) paid a courtesy visit to DA-Regional Field Office 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

His visit is in line with the implementation of the project entitled, “Capacity Building on Efficient Approach for Insect Pest Identification using Remote Microscopy System” to employ remote microscopy to engage experts in the identification of insect specimens.

The installation of RMS is targeted in the six National Plant Quarantine Services Division stations of DA-BPI which includes Cagayan de Oro City.

Mr. Lee’s visit focused on validation and initial assessment of the conditions of the project sites.

The project has been approved for implementation on October 8, 2021, and is expected to be completed by October 7, 2022, with grant assistance from the Korea Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) designating the Korea Rural Community, Corp. (KRC), as the agency to manage the Project and with the Projects Management Consulting (PMC) to implement the Project.# (JCAnito)

Agri NorMin joins the culmination of the National Women’s Month celebration underscoring women empowerment in agriculture.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To celebrate women empowerment in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado culminated the National Women’s Month Celebration on March 28, 2022, in this city.

With the observance of the month of March as Women’s Role in History Month under Presidential Proclamation No. 227, Series of 1988, and with this year’s theme, “We Make Change Work For Women: Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” employees from DA and its attached bureaus and agencies gathered for said culmination program.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared, “The role of women is very diverse, they are human links between the farm and the table, providing food and nutrition as the primary caregivers to families and communities.”

Further citing that, according to studies, 60-80% of food production was contributed by women in developing countries.

The event was graced by former DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Engr. Roxana H. Hojas, 2019 Outstanding Rural Woman awardee Imelda P. Mendoza, and 2021 Regional Young Farmers Challenge Awardee Daryl Ann M. Gonzales, all shared their experiences and contributions as women for agricultural development.

On the other hand, Atty. Neil James S. Acal, CE from Estrada and Partners Law Office, shared a lecture concerning women’s rights, particularly on Child Marriage, Annulment, and Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children.

“When we know our rights, we become more empowered. I hope that the development of agriculture through capacitated women will be more enhanced,” shared Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, in her message, adding how women are flexible and use any change as an opportunity.

Ensuing was the conduct of a general assembly for the Department of Agriculture Women Employees Association (DAWEA) to elect a new set of officers who will be inducted on Monday, April 4. # (AMBManto)

Besto of MILFACO, Talakag, Bukidnon is one among the awardees in the 2022 PCQC, held in Davao City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Coffee farmers from Bukidnon garnered spots in the recently concluded 2022 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), held in Davao City on March 18, 2022.

For the Arabica category, Arnold Pina of Bayanihan Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative (BMMPC) from Pangantucan took third place, while Belinda Besto of MILALITTRA Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (MILFACO) from Talakag placed fourth.

Also from BMMPC, Renaldo Mansulay, secured ninth place.

Still hailing from BMMPC, Eljean V. Dagohoy, Lorna Libante, and Pablo Helomoc, grabbed the fourth, fifth, and eighth places, respectively in the Robusta category.

Meanwhile, a special award for Washed Processed coffee was conferred to Besto under the Arabica category.

BMMPC and MILFACO are both recipients of the Coffee Community-Based Development Enterprise under DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program which seeks to provide production and postharvest services for both coffee and cacao farmers.

PCQC is an annual green coffee competition that recognizes outstanding Filipino coffee farmers, where growers are encouraged to improve the quality of their products to boost their competitiveness both in the domestic and global markets.

The competition is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, together with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), Barista and Coffee Academy of Asia and the Philippine Coffee Guild.# (CRSeraspe)

USTP Claveria receives agri-assistance thru DA-10’s BP2 program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – 10 hands over agri inputs to the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria Campus as part of the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa (BP2) program.

The agri inputs amounting to P1.50 million which includes 912 heads of chicken and 149 bags of feeds, is under the Program’s poultry intervention.

The institution will also receive 44 heads of cattle worth P2.2 million, and P15,744 worth of drugs and biologics.

Other interventions, particularly for Misamis Oriental, include the establishment of cattle and goat multiplier farms, vegetable farm, and mushroom production in the amount of P9.16 million.

Of which, these interventions fall under the Food Security and Agricultural Productivity, one of the four key areas of the Program’s framework.

These will then be transferred to the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Misamis Oriental to their identified and verified beneficiaries once the interventions are completed.

In which, these are provided in the Memorandum of Agreement signed by DA-10, USTP Claveria, and PLGU Misamis Oriental on November 5, 2021.

As explained by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado that an inter-agency effort, BP2 is socio-economic program developed by the Duterte administration that promotes inclusive and balanced urban and rural development.

He added that the BP2 program seeks to address Metro Manila’s congested areas by encouraging people to return to their home provinces with assured incentives and livelihood, among others.

Returnees who wish to avail of the interventions under the BP2 program may get their forms in their barangay Balik Probinsya Center or apply online at www.en.balikprobinsya.ph. Application is free-of-charge. # (CRSeraspe)

DA-NorMin and PAA undergo assessment for the contenders of the best communal garden regionwide.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently concluded its ocular inspection and validation for the contenders, representing every province of Northern Mindanao vying for the best communal garden title.

Launched in November 2021, the search for the best communal garden is one of the joint projects of the department in coordination with the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA), Inc. – Region 10 (Pineapple Chapter), and the provincial and municipal local governments (LGUs), to ensure food security and sufficiency at the community levels.

Joining the contest are the Tangaro Young Farmers of Catarman, Camiguin; Brgy. Calaocalao in Don Carlos, Bukidnon; Sinai Rural Improvement Club Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental; Brgy. Libertad in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; and Pan-ay Vegetable Farmers in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

Of which, the agri department through its provincial operations centers and the concerned LGUs, selected existing community-based vegetable gardens to take part in the competition.

With entries measuring 500 square meters each, the evaluating team rated the gardens according to their physical arrangement, diversity of crops planted, adoption of technology innovations, production yield, and utilization of garden space.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the initiative is in support to the Plant, Plant, Plant Program (Agri 4Ps) of DA that targets to scale up the country’s food and nutrition security level amid the pandemic, while empowering localities on food production as a source of livelihood.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, who is also the PAA-10 president bared, that the agri department has provided the participating groups with inputs such as vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers, biopesticides, including the distribution of knapsack sprayer units.

“The communal garden will provide additional income to the communities, and at the same time promote organic and natural farming technology systems. With this [communal garden contest], other small groups from the different sectors will be more encouraged to plant their own vegetables using indigenous materials in a minimal space,” RTD Madriaga remarked.

Meanwhile, Agriculturist II Eva T. Pacturan, who also serves as the regional nutrition focal person, further said, that the initiative particularly addresses malnutrition since fresh, naturally grown, or organic vegetables are made available and affordable in the communities.

Winners for the said competition are set to receive a cash prize and a plaque of recognition, to be announced at around the second quarter of this year. # (EMB.)

The GAD program of DA-10 spearheads a capabuild to women senior citizens who are engaging in agribusiness, to know the available windows of assistance for them.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of the Women’s Month celebration this March, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Gender and Development Program conducted a capability building to women senior citizens on March 22, 2022, in this city.

Around 20 participants who are both in service and retirees of DA-10 who are engaging in agribusiness were updated on the AgriPinay Loan Program of the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) focusing on financial assistance for women in agriculture.

DA-ACPC Provincial Management Officer for Misamis Oriental Kristine Cyvil Gregorio explained the program is part of the agency’s Gender and Development integration efforts which seeks to improve women’s access to rural credit and ensure their inclusion in the agri-fishery value chain in order to better rehabilitate their livelihood during the pandemic.

She added that the program aims to intensify gender equality in agribusiness and promote the empowerment of women in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, shared that women in agriculture are ageless, provided with their experiences and wisdom gained throughout the years.

She added that the DA ensures the senior citizens especially women have access to the agri-fishery programs, valuing their contributions and partnership as active members of the community.

Meanwhile, Ronnie Tabucanon, Financial Analyst IV of DA-ACPC guided them on how to make a simple business plan.

Aside from the credit opportunities, Mylin V. Tayapad, an organic farmer and owner of Mylin Herbal, turmeric product shares her story to inspire and empower them in investing through organic farming.

“Women should strategize on how they can help their family. I didn’t expect what started as a personal health medicine would expand and become my business which opened more opportunities, ” shared Ms. Tayapad.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the capacity building is an integral approach of the agency to gender equality.#(MPTablon)

Agri NorMin turns over the P20-M monolithic dome-type cold storage and packing facility to the city government of CdeO for proper storage of agri inputs of high-value crops.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao turns over the first monolithic dome-type cold storage and packing facility in the region to the City of Cagayan de Oro on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed the certificate of turnover of the said project worth P20 million to Mayor Oscar S. Moreno, as a component of DA’s proper storage of agricultural inputs of high-value crops.

Dir. Collado said the facility will aid the local farmers and market vendors in the city in maximizing the quality of their produce.

“It will extend the shelf life of highly-perishable commodities and reduce post-harvest losses of the farmers and ensures to establish a resilient food system, especially during this pandemic,” the director added.

Located in barangay Kauswagan, the whole facility has a land area of 1,300 square meters which is the counterpart of the city with a capacity of 300 metric tons of vegetables in crates and palettes.

The dome will serve as the region’s storage and packing facility with two loading docks, a pre-cooling room, areas for washing and rinsing, sorting, palletizing, and an office.

Mayor Moreno said that the monolithic dome facility is meant to ensure that high-value crops of farmers seek to serve two ends: the supply and demand sides.

“On the part of the supply side, the farmers can hope that their products will remain fresh in spite of the passing of time. While on the demand side, the consuming public can be assured that the product would remain fresh and nutritious,” added Mayor Moreno.

The facility is one of a kind in the region through advanced engineering or construction technology, adopting a climate-smart technology, a state-of-the-art storage facility which was funded under DA’s CY 2020 – Agriculture Stimulus Package Bayanihan II of DA High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

Supporting the event were DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, HVCDP Program Coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan, city local officials, and Agriculture Productivity Operations Office (APOO).#(ATC)