Agri-10 capacitates its employees thru training on effective writing.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – As part of its continuing employees’ development program, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) hold a two-day Effective Writing Training on July 27-28, 2023 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Complex, in this city.

At least 34 DA-RFO 10 personnel from the Office of the Regional Director, Field Operations, Research, Regulatory, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Integrated Laboratory, Administrative and Finance, and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance divisions participated in the training.

In her message, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca underscored the importance and timeliness of the training in honing the DA employees’ written communication skills to better convey the department’s services and activities to its intended stakeholders.

As part of the training, participants underwent a series of lectures and workshops on the fundamentals and styles of technical writing, gender-fair language, Filipinism and culture-sensitive writing.

To harmonize the department’s internal and external communications, the participants also retooled on the DA communication branding and protocol.

Patrick Ian F. Perdarse, DA-RFO 10’s Administrative and Finance Division chief, said the training is imperative in communicating relevant agricultural ideas to DA stakeholders and partners, especially as the department is gearing toward agricultural modernization.# (ATTalib)

PRRI pays a courtesy visit to DA-10 headed by RED Collado.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To discuss potential interventions in bolstering the rubber industry in Northern Mindanao, a research team from the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado on August 7, 2023, at the agency compound, here in this city.

The meeting with PRRI centers on the institute’s plans to gather field data in the province of Bukidnon in line with their research on different rubber-based cropping systems to enhance rubber production in various climatic types in the Philippines.

The said research is being funded by the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

Representing the PRRI were Christine G. Tabaosares, Science Research Assistant; Wendelyn C. Montales, Science Aide; and Kim I. Gonzales, Project Technical Assistant.

Ms. Kersten S. Pagalan, DA-RFO 10 High Value Crops Development Program focal person also attended the said meeting.# (GDA)

DA-assisted, PITAC-MPC signs an MOU with Vitarich for the market of corn.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With its role in providing local farmers and producers access to profitable markets, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, expresses its continued support during the recent virtual signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine International Travel Assistance Center – Multipurpose Cooperative (PITAC-MPC) and Vitarich, Corp.

RED Collado graced the event, as the two parties sealed a marketing agreement for the supply of corn.

As agreed, PITAC-MPC shall produce corn in accordance with Vitarich’s specifications, while Vitarich shall purchase such corn directly from the Coop.

Per MOU, Vitarich shall purchase its corn requirements from PITAC-MPC at an agreed price range of market prices within CdeO City plus P1 as provided in the Purchase Order covering the purchase of 500 metric tons (MT) of corn, and anything above 500 MT will be negotiable.

According to Dir. Collado, the marketing agreement serves as a model for direct market linkage where farmers are offered better prices by the processors.
He added that it will encourage more farmers to sustain their production and strengthen the region’s corn industry with the procurement of corn from local farmers; thereby, increasing farmers’ productivity and income.
“This MOU will be a catalyst to help the expansion of corn production in Northern Mindanao, and also contribute to improve and sustain the food supply chain in the entire country,” the regional executive director remarked.

During the MOU signing, representing Vitarich, Corp. is Executive Vice President and Corporate Management Services Director, Stephanie Nicole S. Garcia, PITAC-MPC Christery May C. Dinoy, Board of Directors chairperson, and witnessed by DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Larry E. Paraluman.# (RDMElloren)

Agri-10 holds its yearly LGU Coordination meeting with R-10 LGUs to ensure compliance for fund transfers and liquidations of agricultural projects.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In an effort to ensure compliance to existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations for fund transfers and liquidations of agricultural projects granted to Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, hold its annual LGU Coordination Meeting recently at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops Livestock Research Complex, in this city.

Spearheaded by the DA-RFO 10’s accounting section, the coordination meeting is an avenue for bilateral dialogue to address challenges encountered by DA and the LGUs in terms of inventory and liquidation of agri projects funded under the agri department’s banner programs and special projects this year and the preceding years.

Some 207 LGU accountants and agriculturists from the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental attended the meeting.

DA-RFO 10 Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse said the meeting aims for DA and the LGUs to level-off on a mechanism for optimal utilization of DA funds.

He also acknowledged the LGUs’ roles as DA’s partners in extending its services to the peripheries of the agriculture sector to provide sufficient and affordable food for all.

Ways forward for the resolution of identified issues in complying with the reportorial requirements and timelines for the submission thereof were consensually agreed in the meeting, and be adopted as guidelines in accounting and liquidating DA projects granted to the LGUs and their constituents.# (ATTalib)

Newly promoted DA-10 employees take oath of office

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Nine promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently took their oath of office before DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, on August 1, 2023 at the agency compound, in this city.
The newly promoted employees are:

1. Lorena V. Duna – Chief Science Research Specialist
2. Janniver C. Chua, DVM – Supervising Agriculturist
3. Jocelyn M. Ellevera – Senior Science Research Specialist
4. Judith A. Maquiso – Senior Science Research Specialist
5. Mischelle F. Egama – Science Research Specialist II
6. Jess Erick Y. Co – Administrative Officer III
7. Maria Teresa C. Cagas – Science Research Specialist I
8. Eleazar A. Jumalon – Science Research Assistant
9. Larry C. Nagac – Administrative Assistant III

In his message, Collado addressed the promoted employees and challenged them to assume increased responsibilities.

“In the years you have worked with DA, you have shown your commitment to public service, which we hope will be even more strengthened by this new opportunity to serve our farmers, fisherfolk, and the Filipino people. Make good use of your positions so that we may continue to deliver our services and participate in the development of the agency,” RED Collado said.

Supporting the said ceremony were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, members of the agency’s Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, and other DA-10 officials.# (ACPUy)

The Regional Soils Laboratory of Agri-10 undergoes BSWM audit.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) undergoes the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) audit on August 2-4, 2023, in this city.

The Technical Evaluation and Audit Team (TE&AT) of BSWM administered a three-day audit to assess RSL’s soil analysis services.

Key operational areas such as manpower requirements, the physical layout of the laboratory facility, soil laboratory equipment and apparatus, test methods, quality control, and laboratory procedures were evaluated by the BSWM TE&AT as part of the audit.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said the RSL primarily functions to perform laboratory analyses and offers recommendations for the appropriate use of soil, water, plants, fertilizers, and other essential components for crop production.

Based on the data gathered after the audit, the BSWM TE&AT shall endorse Laboratory Assessment Report to BSWM Director for the issuance or non-issuance of License to Operate – Soil Laboratory (LTO-SL) to DA-RFO 10’s RSL.

Pursuant to PD 1435, DA-RFO 10 RSL Chief, Engr. Elena C. Susaya said the development and operation of every soil laboratory are being supervised, regulated, and controlled by BSWM to ascertain standard operations of soil laboratories in the country. #(MPMTablon)

R-10’s DA-PRDP IPLAN hosts Minda-wide iVCA CapDev training in Camiguin province. 

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – In order to effectively implement the new and updated protocols, plans and processes outlined in the IPLAN operations manual, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) spearheads the Mindanao-wide iVCA Capacity Development Training on July 25-28, 2023 in this province.

The activity was conducted through the IPLAN component in partnership with the Mindanao Project Support Office.

Through the Climate Resilient Agro-oriented Industry Value Chain Analysis or iVCA CapDev training, the planners were geared towards to effectively implement and promote the integration of the Commodity System Investment Plan (CsIP) into the planning systems.

A thorough and step-by-step discussion on the processes of the iVCA capacitated the skills and knowledge of the planners in order to aid the smooth planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation process at the local government units (LGUs).

PSO IPLAN head Elden Karl Requilme emphasized that the CapDev is in preparation for the enhanced process of the VCA.

“As we continue with the project, we still need to enhance and update our VCA to attain better implementation of our future projects,” said Requilme.

NPCO Planning Officers Kristina Kay Relieve and Pinky Villegas further discussed the VCA Commodity Planning Environment and Analysis and the iVCA Preparation and Review.

The training was participated by the PRDP IPLAN consultants and organic personnel of Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and BARMM.#

Lunocan cassava farmers will soon benefit from DA-PRDP’s-funded warehouse.

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON – A warehouse with a Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement (MPDP) will soon be established in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon as the Department of Agriculture -Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) conducts a Pre-Construction Conference for the said facility on August 1, 2023 in this municipality.

Funded by the Additional Financing 2 (AF2), the warehouse with MPDP worth P4,653,741.62, will be constructed in Barangay Lunocan, benefiting cassava producers in the municipality.

In her message, Lunocan barangay captain Melba A. Batoon extended her gratitude to DA-PRDP 10 through Project Director and DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and LGU Manolo Fortich for the subproject they have acquired.

“We have been longing for this subproject to arrive, especially since our area is very far from the town’s center. Soon, it will be easier to access these facilities and we can be more confident with the quality of our produce.”

Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, IBUILD Component Head, congratulated the stakeholders for acquiring the said subproject.

She also emphasized everyone’s role in the implementation of the project which includes the contractor in following the standards set by DA-PRDP and the World Bank, and the residents and barangay officials to monitor the activities in the field.

“For the barangay officials, you will own and use this subproject, thus you need to make sure that the procedures and the quality are of standards,” Engr. Camaro added.

The warehouse with MPDP will be the fifth of its kind to be built in the municipality as the barangays Minsuro, Sto. Niño, Kalugmanan, and Minsuro received it first. #

DA-10 orients COA-10 on its programs and services.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Geared towards working harmoniously with the agency in terms of handling financial transactions and operations, the Department of Agriculture – RFO 10 helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted a brief orientation with the Audit Team – NGAs Cluster 8 Team 07 of the Commission on Audit (COA)-10 on August 9, at the agency compound.

Said meeting is in response to the audit team’s clamor to be apprised on the different programs, projects, services and other interventions of DA-10, for a deeper understanding that government funds spent by the agency are used judiciously, following auditing laws, rules and regulations.

Anchored on DA’s vision of a modernized agri-fishery sector with a diversified rural economy that is dynamic, technologically advanced, and internationally competitive, chiefs and some senior staff from the eight divisions and a center of the agency, have bared their respective deliverables.

Per mandate, COA has the power, authority, and duty to examine and audit all accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to, the Government, or any of its agencies such as the agri department.

The audit team is led by Regional Supervising Auditor Marilou C. Mampao together with State Auditor IV Jurhea M. Lomondaya, State Auditor II Nashiba L. Macaraob, and State Auditor I Kaycee P. Matito.# (JLO)

DA-10 RED Collado administers the oathtaking of Tubaon, the newly promoted employee of the agency.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A newly promoted employee of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took the oath of office on August 7, 2023, at the agency compound.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collando administered the oathtaking of Rosell P. Tuba-on, who is promoted to Senior Agriculturist of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division from being the Agriculturist II.

Attending the ceremony were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) chair Carlota S. Madriaga and RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca together with the concerned division chief and HRMPSB committee members.# (MPMTablon)