DA-10 pays tribute to the youth in the region engaged in agri-fishery enterprises with profitability potential during the YFCF Provincial Awarding.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 41 individuals and 10 groups across Northern Mindanao were recognized during the Young Farmers Challenge Fund (YFCF) Provincial Awarding on August 31, 2022, held here in this city.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the event honored the youth in the region engaged in agri-fishery enterprises with profitability potential, with DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga taking the lead, in the presence of Raul Alamban representing Senator Imee Marcos.

In his remarks, Larry E. Paraluman, AMAD chief of DA-10 said, “This year’s challenge is the second year of undertaking as we continue to entice our youth to participate in the challenge [YFCF]. Challenge, in the sense, that you [winners] will become the incoming and future entrepreneurs in the agriculture.”

The agribiz chief added that the YFC program is stemmed from the fact that the average age of Filipino farmers [as of 2018] is 57 years old and majority of the youth are no longer interested in agriculture.

To address such, Paraluman remarked that the [YFCF] ushers our youth [the awardees] who has interest in agriculture to have a start-up capital in the form of a competitive financial grant assistance from DA, wherein P50K is accorded to an individually managed enterprise or P100K for a group-managed enterprise at the provincial competition level.

Of which, interested and eligible youth ages 18 to 30 years old, have submitted their business model canvasses, activity and financial plans, and other documentary requirements, and were evaluated by a panel of judges based on their entrepreneurial attributes, innovativeness and potential for generating revenue stream of their presented business proposal, value addition, and social responsibility.

On top of the access of start-up capital, DA-10 RTD Madriaga assured the youth that the department will continue to pool resources and opportunities that would enable them to engage in agri-fishery enterprises on a sustained basis by providing agri-fishery business development services to further strengthen their agri-entrepreneurship capabilities.

“This is just the beginning of your journey in your agripreneurship. If you do well in your chosen agri-fishery enterprises, more government support awaits. Show us!” the DA official expressed.

Through the YFC program, DA is also set in extending business development services assistance, which includes training programs and assistance in business and product registration and certification, mentoring assistance, market linking and business networking, and monitoring and enterprise assessment.

DA-Agricultural Training Institute shall be tapped for the conduct of training activities, while DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council shall handle the additional capital requirements of the youth for scaling up their ventures.

Rendering her message to the youth in attendance via a short video clip, DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Y. Evangelista conveyed her gratitude for all the people [DA-AMAD, local government units, private sector representatives, and the academe] behind the selection of the YFCF winners at the same time congratulated the new batch of awardees.

“DA believes in investing in the youth, investing in farming, investing in the future. Nasa kamay ng kabataan ang kinabukasan ng agikultura,” the agri official concluded.

Out from the pool of provincial awardees, they will continue to vie for the seven spots as regional awardees: four enterprise awardees for the agri-fishery production category and one awardee per each of the categories – processing, digital agriculture, and supply chain business solutions, and will be granted with P150K per awardee, while P300K is at stake once declared as one of the 12 national awardees.

Below is a complete list of the YFCF provincial awardees with their corresponding agri-enterprises by province:

Bukidnon

1. Sherwin G. Sintaon – Win’z Native Chili Oil;
2. Johnny Rey G. Salinana – Suka Bahalinana Coconut Vinegar Production;
3. Maechel B. Daug, Von L. Andaleon and Vanessa C. Maquiso – VVM’s House of Mushroom;
4. Zyra Shine D. Gamino – Rabbit Production;
5. Shane A. Bañados – Bañados Tablea;
6. Joselito P. Llesis – Adlai Enterprise;
7. Rinalyn L. Tahil – Riyal Mushroom House;
8. Christian John C. Fernandez – Tilapia Para sa Masa;
9. Twinkle T. Antasoda – Antasoda’s Cassava Special;
10. Nikki Jace B. Mondia – Ganddz Freshwater Fish Farm;
11. Erwin M. Dahao – Spice Farm;
12. Judy Ann P. Egay – Adlai Rice Production;
13. Rey Mark U. Anggoy – Stable Adlai Production for Value Added Products (Grains/Grits);
14. Alvin G. Gutierrez – A-One Oyster Mushroom Production and Enterprise;
15. Xyrish Eve E. Fernandez – Fernera Organica;
16. Darwen D. Basarte – Basarte’s Fresh Tilapia and Homemade Tilanggit;
17. Ariel K. Benzon and Liezel E. Lllausas – Bantuan Ube Products;
18. Aiza A. Cabangbang and Angelou G. Daano – A & A Rabbitry;
19. Michael Ryan G. Gante – Pido Sayote Farm;
20. Ira Kristel M. Onahon – Bukidnon Diversified Vineyard;
21. Revie M. Limocon – Procaffeinated Coffee Processing;
22. Steve C. Cutillas – Gik’s Integrated Organic Mushroom and Aeroponics Production;

Misamis Occidental

1. Aljane Mary G. Udal – Am’s Sustainable Sunrice and Silver Production;
2. Romel B. Omega – Swine Fattening Production;
3. Vergil S. Capoy – Vergil’s Fresh Lettuce;
4. Ricardo B. Apale – Sweet Corn Production;
5. Ronald Harayo and Rhemar S. Bago – Bitter Gourd Production;
6. Johnley Fred U. Sumaylo and Kathyrine G. Gerona – Hankers Odorless Pig Farm;
7. Dave Q. Arabes – Zampanemazing Native Chicken Production;
8. Destre L. Dagumo – D’Garden Hydroleaf;
9. Jelie M. Misajon – Swine Backyard Production;
10. Arnie Marie M. Galorio – Galorio A’s Piggery;
11. Ednier Duhaylungsod, Maria Ella Mae B. Aguhob, Hazel Mae Helido and Mike Jasper Ramos – Free-Range Chicken Layer Production;

Misamis Oriental

1. Palcon Cres S. Padero – Backyard Swine Farming;
2. Jumil C. Lascuña – JL Integrated Farm;
3. Romejay A. Lagsic – Diversified Vegetable Production;
4. Sean Ivander L. Bade – Seanbad’s Farm;
5. Patrick P. Tomonglay – Pat’s Aquaponics;

Cagayan de Oro City

1. Ian King March P. Miyake – Production of Organic Concoction and Extracts;
2. Kathleen Claire G. Patimo, Ezekiel L. Gutay, Cyrill Ann A. Cabido and Dennis C. Baliguat – Greenovation;
3. Jay Ryan S. Rago and Shiena Marie H. Lagura – Hydrolicious Lettuce;
4. Stephine C. Pantilgan – SP Quality Rabbit Farm;
5. Rollie B. Bangcoyo – Chik ni Lie;
6. Jhongie M. Ladrada and Mars G. Muñoz – JM Production Quail Eggs;

Lanao del Norte

1. Mohammad Khalid R. Casan – Baloi Goat Farm;
2. Roselio S. Lahoylahoy – Tilapia and Vegetable Production;
3. Johavier M. Ayonan and Naifa R. Mutia – Free-Range Organic Native Chicken;
4. Nasip M. Batingolo – Palapa Ami;
5. John Vincent G. Cabrera – JVC Livestock Production;

Camiguin

1. Pamela Salon – Native Chicken Production;
2. Krysler John G. Agol – 7K Free Range Brown Egg

DA-10’s three laboratories prepare for ISO certification.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 is gearing up for ISO 17025:2017 Certification for all three of its laboratories this year.

After two years of ISO prep up for the Feed Chemical Analysis Laboratory (FCAL) and the Regional Soil Laboratory (RSL), Dr. Alanita Jumalon, DA-10 ILD Chief bared in a meeting with the DA-10 Management Monday, July 18, that the division will also include the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) in their pursuit for ISO certification.

“We intend to avail of the ISO Certification so we can assure our clients that our laboratory services are at par with international standards. Having ISO-certified laboratories means that we are capable of providing accurate and reliable test results to our clients,” Dr. Jumalon said.

She added that the team from the RADDL will undergo an Internal Audit within the week with the guidance of Mr. Aldwin B. Tagapan, an external consultant from Synergy at Work and Learning.

Documentation and evaluation of the ILD services procedure and protocol, availability of standard facilities and equipment, and ILD personnel’s competence are the key focus areas of the audit.

Support services provided by the Human Resource, General Services and Procurement sections, and the Information, Communications and Technology Unit (ICTU) to the ILD will also be evaluated to determine any area for improvement.

The audit findings will be presented to the DA-10 Management end of this week to address internal and external issues material to the ISO Certification.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the laboratory services provided by the ILD are fundamental to the development and sustainability of agricultural projects of the DA, providing project implementors and farmers with science-based modalities for improved agricultural production.

The DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga said she is confident in the agency’s ILD team in their quest for ISO Certification.

“The DA-10 Management will provide whatever support is needed by the ILD for this endeavor. This is a significant mileage for us towards making the entire DA-10 an ISO-certified agency” she averred.

In 2021, the department’s two laboratories, FCAL and RSL were awarded a Certificate of Authority to Operate by the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry which marks the first DA regional office nationwide to attain for both of its laboratories.

The ILD is due for ISO Certification assessment by the Philippine Accreditation Board (PAB) in October this year.#(Azbie Talib)

Since the onset of COVID-19, DA-10 holds its first InfoCar on-site, for MisOr province, to bare its programs and updates for agri-devt.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Farmer-leaders and their assigned agricultural technicians from Misamis Oriental province, convened on July 26, 2022, for the Information Caravan staged by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao through its Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (DA-10 RAFIS).

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the information caravan is significant in raising awareness and providing relevant information to the farmers in accessing programs and projects to address the challenges besetting the agricultural sector.

Likewise, DA-10 MisOr Provincial Operations Center chief, Wilson V. Lagdamin, said that the InfoCar is tailored to update the different agri-stakeholders on DA-10’s programs, projects, and interventions, with emphasis on Corn Program, Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), Bird Flu, African Swine Fever, and livestock and poultry insurance programs under the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. for information and/or availment of farmers to ultimately improve their livelihood and uplift their lives.

The said activity marks the first ever InfoCar to be conducted on-site since the onset of the pandemic, which was participated in by the towns of Villanueva, Jasaan, Magsaysay, Balingoan, Tagoloan, Balingasag, Lagonglong and Opol, and El Salvador City, and the agricultural and fishery councils. #

DA, ATI-10 meet with PLGU Camiguin to brief its admin on PAFES implementation.

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – The Department of Agriculture-Region 10 (DA-10) and the DA Agricultural Training Institute – Region 10 (DA ATI-10) have been keen on their effort in promoting the adoption and implementation of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES), among the provincial governments (PLGUs) in Northern Mindanao.

Heads of the two government entities met with Camiguin Governor, Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo, at the province’s capitol for a meeting cum orientation on PAFES implementation, Friday, July 22.

As a way to mitigate the recently confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) contagion in Mambajao, Camiguin, Governor Romualdo is amenable to the implementation of the PAFES in the island province, focusing on ASF counter measures as the PAFES test project.

After getting the PLGU’s commitment to PAFES, the DA-10 and ATI-10 is set to conduct consultation with concerned stakeholders and initiate rapid appraisal to identify priority agri-fishery extension programs in Camiguin.

The PLGU shall then sign a Memorandum of Agreement with identified government and private partners, and establish its own PAFES office to map out Collaborative Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Program (CPAFEP) appropriate to the province.

Institutionalization of the PAFES is seen to cushion the PLGUs’ assumption of the DA and its attached agencies and bureaus’ devolved functions following government decentralization in light of the Mandanas Ruling.

With PAFES, the province will serve as a hub in streamlining the implementation of agri-fishery extension programs and projects in priority localities through strengthened coordination and partnership with all instrumentalities of the DA, other government agencies, the academe, private sectors, and the LGUs.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said the OneDA family fully support the constitution of the PAFES in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao.

“With the PAFES we can strategically share the resources and expertise we have with the PLGUs. The resources can be easily cascaded down the grassroots level with a well-defined system. Notwithstanding the devolution, we will maintain our link with the PLGUs as far as agriculture is concerned,” he said.

The province of Bukidnon was piloted for the PAFES implementation in Northern Mindanao in 2021.

The DA-10 and ATI-10 have also undertaken similar efforts for the establishment of PAFES in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte.

The PAFES is among the key strategies of the DA in transforming Philippine agriculture, which aims to enhancement of the LGUs’ capacities in delivering strategic agri-fishery interventions.#(ATalib)

DA-10 bares the agri programs and priorities under PBBM during in one of Lanao Norte’s coordination meeting.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) bared its various agricultural programs and priorities under the new administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during the 2nd Semestral Coordination Meeting, in the province of Lanao del Norte.

DA-NorMin Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized, that the department continuously pursues its goal of ensuring the region’s food sufficiency, affordability and availability amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic and the ripple effect of the Russia-Ukraine dispute.

Conferred in the said meeting is the continuation of DA’s programs under the current administration, such as the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance; Fertilizer Voucher; Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program; Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems, including the programs and updates of the Provincial Government of LDN through its agriculture’s office.

Highlighted discussions also include the priority programs that aim to scale up the rice production in the country: the Masagana 150 (inbred) and 200 (hybrid).

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC) also imparted their programs and services.

With the different windows of assistance for availment of farmers and fisherfolk, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado reiterated to all agency’s LGU partners in the region, to be keen on the needs of the agri sector to maximize programs and services’ utilization.

Presiding the said meeting is LDN Provincial Agriculturist Letecia G. Ditucalan with the participation of 21 municipal agriculturists and rice coordinators from the different towns of the said province.# (EMB/Photo credits: LDN-PAO)

DA-10 leads in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the P3.5-M bio-secured and climate-controlled operation facility in Kapatagan, Lanao Norte to aid in the recovery of the swine industry.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony of the P3.5 million bio-secured and climate-controlled finisher operation facility at Barangay Bel-is, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte on July 20.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the project is part of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program funded by the National Livestock Program, in which to implement calibrated repopulation and enhancement of the local swine industry to recover the sector’s capacity.

The local government unit provided the lot of the facility, which has a building area of 294.40 square meters. It also includes an office and a perimeter fence with a maximum capacity of 240 finisher heads.

The facility has a climate-controlled animal house, waste management, basic farm equipment, feed storage, and a shower room.

The DA-10 will provide two swine breeder boars and 15 swine breeder gilt amounting to P900K and agricultural supplies worth P500K such as feeds, drugs, and biologics.

The area was affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) in which the facility could greatly help in preventing the contamination of the said disease.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared, the project aimed to improve the livestock industry of the area and to locally produce a sufficient supply of hogs and pork.

Bel-is Farmers Association President Ederson A. Balucan conveyed his commitment to ensuring the project’s success.

The activity was supported the agency’s Livestock program and the provincial and municipal LGUs.#(MPMTablon/Photo credits: RDMElloren)

To update on food safety guidelines, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) conducted an orientation for importers and representatives from cold/dry storage warehouses on July 13, 2022, held in Cagayan de Oro City.

Spearheaded by the Plant Product Safety Services Division (PPSSD) – Food Safety Unit – CdeO and National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in collaboration with the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), the orientation was done to inform Food Business Operators (FBOs) on food safety requirements and updates of the newly approved BPI guidelines.

Said activity is in line with the Food Safety Act of 2013 or Republic Act No. 10611 which aims to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country as well as facilitate market access of local food and food products.

PPSSD-CdeO Chief William F. Mugot highlighted the importance of food safety as everyone’s business, noting that everyone has a role in ensuring safe food for consumers’ health and consumption. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 turns over one unit farm tractor to LGU Claveria, MisOr to easen the land preparation activities of corn farmers, in the six barangays of said town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Set on easing the land preparation activities of corn farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over one unit farm tractor to the local government of Claveria (LGU Claveria), Misamis Oriental on Monday, July 19, 2022.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, NMACLRC chief, Carmelito R. Lapoot handed over the certificate of turnover for the agri machinery worth P3 million to LGU Claveria thru Municipal Agriculturist (MA), Pat F. Dumaloan, in the presence of the Corn program staff of the Field Operations Division.

According to Dumaloan, the granted unit is for priority use in the six barangays, namely: Aposkahoy, Malagana, Parmbugas, Tipolohon, D.G. Pelaez, and Bulahan, covering 1,500 hectares of the service area with an estimated 3,000 corn farmers.

He likewise expressed his gratitude to DA-10 under the leadership of RED Collado for its continuous support to an agri-based municipality and further being the seat of approximately 10,000 hectares of corn area.

“Malaki ang maitutulong nito [traktor] sa mga nagtatanim ng mais para mas mapabilis ang kanilang land preparation activities,” the MA conveyed.

With the tractor’s management under LGU Claveria, he added that their office is in charge of bookings for farmers’ availment, while the Municipal Economic Development Office (MEDO) handles the receipt of payments to its trust fund.

As per municipal ordinance, Dumaloan detailed, that the unit will be extended to farmers at a minimal cost of P1,000.00 and the provision of 20 liters of fuel for harrowing, and the amount of P1,500.00 and 25 liters of fuel for plowing.

To help sustain the operability of the farm tractor, a portion of the charged fees will be set aside by MEDO, which is on top of the P1-M annual allocation of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office to defray repairs and maintenance costs.

“Sa ibinigay na traktor, makakatulong ito sa pagtaas na naman sa produksiyon ng mais sa anim naming barangay,” Dumaloan concluded.

Pooled from CY 2021 funds under the Production Support Services of the Corn Program, the provided four-wheel drive farm tractor runs on a 70.8 kilowatt of engine power with implements, and a three-ton capacity trailer with tools. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a joint effort to deepen the anti-smuggling of agri products, the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry-Plant Quarantine Service in Region 10 and the Bureau of Customs-Port of Cagayan de Oro conducted the verification and examination of four container refrigerated vans at the Mindanao International Container Terminal Services, Inc., Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on July 19, 2022.

The imported commodity was declared as ‘spring roll patti’ from China that arrived on July 15, 2022, at MICTS but was found to contain red and white onions with an estimated value of P12 million.

The BOC examiner will submit his recommendations to BOC legal officer for issuance of a warrant of seizure and detention of the said commodity. The schedule of proper disposal will be set later.

The said agri products are considered smuggled since DA-BPI PQS has not issued a Sanitary Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC), which is a mandatory requirement to ensure that they are not a health hazard and free from harmful pests.

The team was spearheaded by BOC team Oliver Valiente, BOC Chief, CIIS-CDO Field Station, Custom Police, PDEA, a representative from Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc., among others, and DA-BPI PQS 10 Regional Manager Manuel A. Barradas with Plant Quarantine Officer Arnold Dela Cruz, Jr.

In 2021, the DA and BOC have forged an agreement to implement a new set of measures to curtail the entry of smuggled agri products and ensure an optimum level of food safety for Filipino consumers in accordance with the provisions of RA No. 10611 or the “Food Safety Act of 2013’ and other applicable laws.”

RA 10845 otherwise known as the ‘Anti- Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016’ states that seized smuggled agricultural products, shall be disposed of in a manner to be determined by the appropriate regulatory agency.

In Northern Mindanao, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, who at the same time the chair of DA Regional Management Committee has set measures in strengthening partnership with BOC CDO Port in curtailing the entry of smuggled agri products, citing Customs Memorandum Order No. 4, series of 2007, “Implementation of the MOA between the Department of Finance and the Department of Agriculture on Anti-Smuggling.” #(ATCabig)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to the local farmers and entrepreneurs in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) joins in the two-week Farm to Market expo, held in Limketkai Mall from July 19-30, 2022, in this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the expo is initiated by the Limketkai Mall, and is conducted to help the local farmers and entrepreneurs in the region to sell and promote their products, free of charge.

The DA-10 through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-10 AMAD) invited farmer cooperatives and entrepreneurs alike to join in the said expo which includes the Lantapan Vegetable Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LVMFC), RJ Agriproducts, Manzano Farm, and the 7K’s Food Products.

Joel T. Rivera, LVFMC general manager, is thankful for the expo because it has provided their cooperative a venue to sell their produce, at the same time, sell the fresh produce of their farmer coop members at guaranteed lower prices.

Meanwhile, Erbyl Kent C. Pelongco, co-owner of 7K’s food products said, the expo has opened a lot of opportunities for their venture.

“I am thankful to Limketkai Center and to DA-10 AMAD for giving us, young farmers, this kind of opportunity. In just a matter of days, I was able to promote and sell my products and expand my network. I was able to find potential buyers where we can become the supplier of their various businesses.”

The expo is located at the rotunda of said mall. # (CRSeraspe)