DA-NorMin continues to push for a more food secure and sufficient region thru the distribution of veggie seeds to different institutions and individuals.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Eyed towards a more food secure and sufficient region amid the ongoing pandemic, the agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) continues to reinforce its distribution of vegetable seeds to different institutions and individuals.

Earlier this week, DA-10 Administrative and Finance Division Chief Lester A. Jaducana and Senior Agriculturist Wilson V. Lagdamin turned over P39,000 worth of veggie seeds.

Canitoan Barangay Council thru its Brgy. Nutritional Council (BNC) received 200 packets of 5-in-1 ‘pinakbet’ veggie (ampalaya, squash, pole sitao, okra and eggplant) seeds while the Office of Senator Cynthia A. Villar for NorMin secured 100 packets of 5-in-1 ‘sinigang’ veggie seeds (kangkong, okra, pole sitao, tomato and radish).

Nancy Edos, Canitoan barangay nutrition scholar expressed, that said provisions will be a great contribution to the council’s main focus, which is health and nutrition of the community and the establishment of a communal garden per sitio/purok or a household backyard garden.

On the other hand, Political Officer Nathaniel Palalay II from the Office of Sen. Villar said, that the provided veggie seeds from DA will be given to the different communities in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and other requesting individuals or associations in support to their livelihood activities.

Shortly referred to as 4Ps, the Plant, Plant, Plant program of the department ensures the continuous supply of safe, quality and nutritious food through advocating urban gardening amid these trying times.

For those interested to avail free assorted veggie seeds, they may approach their local agriculture offices or visit the agency’s public assistance desk. # (JCAnito)

Sitio Gaboc in barangay Lingion serves as the first recipient of a SPIS project established in Manolo Fortich town. Said P5.2-M SPIS is seen to directly benefit farmers growing corn and other upland crops in the locality.

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON, May 4, 2021 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) and the local government of Manolo Fortich led the joint turnover ceremony of the first Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) project established in the town, to the barangay local government of Lingion.

The P5.2 million SPIS equipped with 48 pieces solar array and a 15-horsepower irrigation pump, can irrigate around 15-20 hectares, and has a potential area for expansion up to 50 hectares if additional pipes are installed.

Said project is mainly intended to irrigate rainfed corn areas and other upland crops, directly benefitting 20-30 farmers near the project location at sitio Gaboc.

“We wish to achieve the twin goals of the department: “Mataas na Ani, Mataas na Kita” for our farmers and fishers. With the ready water source, it [SPIS] will enable the farmers in the locality to plant even during drought with much more ease, resulting to increased productivity and income,” DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said.

Out from the 22 municipalities and cities of Bukidnon province, the director also commended LGU Manolo Fortich thru its agriculture and engineering offices for their response in accepting and implementing said project.

She noted, that Lingion SPIS is funded from DA-10’s pooled savings in 2018, following the completion of solar-powered irrigation technology projects on corn, in its research stations in Malaybalay City and Dangcagan town.

Meanwhile, Manolo Fortich Mayor Quiño urged the beneficiaries to look after the completed project with the barangay council taking the lead.

“This is just not a simple project, as it is worth P5.2-M and is funded by the people’s taxes. It can be implemented in any other municipality, but we have been chosen as the recipient for this assistance. With this big project comes great responsibility, so we should take care of this project to sustain in reaping its gains for many,” Mayor Quiño said.

The local chief executive also sought for the provision of technical assistance to update local farmers, and push them to also engage in high value crops production in the future.

This, as he recognizes the African Swine Fever threat, which could have an impact on the demand for corn.

With this, he went on to pin his hope for Manolo Fortich in also becoming a vegetable basket, similar to that of the towns of Talakag and Lantapan.

“This is a big favor accorded to our barangay. We are very grateful for DA-10, LGU Manolo Fortich, especially the Municipal Agriculture’s Office headed by Gema G. Cania and all others involved, who have been instrumental in the completion of the project,” Elbern Onahon, Lingion barangay captain relayed.

Moving forward, he assured his interest and usual cooperation to help ensure the sustainability of the SPIS project, to attract more development projects towards realizing progress in the locality. # (JLO)

Poultry houses in two of DA-10’s research stations in Bukidnon province will soon rise to give a boost in the supply of poultry stocks in NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two research stations of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) are now set for the construction of poultry houses with a total worth of P1.875 million in Bukidnon province.

On Tuesday, May 3, a series of groundbreaking ceremony was held for Malaybalay Stock Farm (P1.25-M) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, and the Regional Center for Upland Development (P625,000.00) in Dangcagan town.

DA Undersecretary for Regulations and Infrastructure Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan and DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led said events.

As the department is pushing for infrastructure development towards a more industrialized and modernized farming industry, USec Ampatuan relayed, that the construction of these projects will be a huge contribution to poultry farmers’ productivity and profitability.

RED Collado noted, that said units will give a great boost in the supply of poultry stocks, extending more help to farmers regionwide thru production in the centers.

Fund source for said buildings were pooled from the Regional Livestock Program under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) otherwise known as Republic Act 11494, a law created to provide COVID-19 response and recovery interventions. # (JCAnito)

Agri-extensionists and FCA farm-leaders from Buk’non and MisOr undergo a Training on Sorghum Prod’n Technology and Market to help the agency widely disseminate the benefits of growing sorghum, and ultimately, engage more farmers in its cultivation.

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) urges the local governments and farmer’s cooperatives and associations (FCAs) for the promotion of sorghum as an alternative crop primarily for food and feed use.

Accordingly, about 50 agri-extensionists and farmer-leaders of FCAs from the different towns of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental provinces, including technical staff from DA-10 were gathered for the transfer of a package of technology on sorghum recently.

Topics centered on the crop’s regional situationer, its morphology, utilization, soil and climatic requirements, cultural management practices, estimated cost and return of production, and market demand.

Jurrybe H. Lachica, sorghum focal person of DA-10 explained, that as the agency reintroduces sorghum as a substitute crop for food and feed, said enhancement training is vital to widely disseminate the benefits of growing sorghum, and ultimately, engage more farmers in its cultivation.

For this year, he reported, that out of the 50 hectares of targeted area to be planted to sorghum regionwide, Bukidnon takes up 30 hectares, with sights in ancestral domain areas owned by indigenous people in said province.

Carmelito R. Lapoot of the department’s Research Division, said sorghum is a versatile crop owing its use and trade as raw material for animal feeds, food, fuel and fertilizer.

In mid elevation areas, he detailed, that harvesting can be done 110-120 days after planting or when 80% of the grains turn brown.

With medium yield and at a set price of P15 per kilo for grains and P2 for fodder, Lapoot relayed, that growing sorghum can generate a net income of P109,590 from a total production cost of P43,910, further noting that it is based on the planting experience of DA-10’s research station in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.

As to marketing aspect, Pilmico and San Miguel corporations assured, that they will buy the red sorghum produce of farmers for their raw material requirements, and presented their buying price, quality parameters, and documentary requisites to do business with them.

Both companies have also urged producers to strengthen their adoption of good agricultural practices to ensure the quality production of sorghum, and to comply all the necessary documents, as this could mean more marketing options for them.

To help the department get a boost in the cultivation of the crop regionwide, Lachica underscored, that for those interested to establish a technology demonstration farm or model farm, they should submit a letter of intent, to realize learning hubs in their respective localities.

From here on, the agency can provide assistance thru the provision of seeds and fertilizers while project partners will shoulder the labor costs as counterpart, the sorghum focal person further said. # (JLO)

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade, 4ID, Philippine Army receives agricultural interventions worth P215k from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao funded under its Special Area for Agricultural  Development (SAAD) Program.

On April 30, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over 80 bags of complete fertilizer, 60 bags of Urea, 20 bags of Potash and 50 bags of cracked corn to Col Jose Arn M. Real MNSA GSC (MI) PA on behalf of BGEN Ferdinand T Barandon INF (GSC) PA, in support to Executive Order 70 or whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

Col Real shared, “Akoy nagpapasalamat sa DA Region-10 sa patuloy na pagsuporta sa programang ELCAC. Malaki ang maitutulong na mga ibinigay na fertilizer, feeds at iba pang mga implements for our farm, which benefits the indigenous people and former rebels in our community.”

Director Collado emphasized, that said interventions is just one of the department’s assistance provided to the Philippine Army as part of its commitment to ELCAC.

The agri-inputs will be distributed to former rebel communities that is being supported by the 403rd IB and its units.#(RBermudo)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) thru the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) continues to support the farmers and fishers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) with the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

On Tuesday, April 27, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed the check amounting to P900,000 to Paglingkawas Women’s Federation (PAWFED) represented by Chief Executive Officer Blenda M. Desierto for the procurement of 1 unit utility van.

Funded under Bayanihan Act II, PAWFED has availed a total of P1 million financial grant under said program.

The Enhanced Kadiwa primarily aims to support qualified FCAs, who act as an assembler, consolidator or distributor of food commodities thru Kadiwa retail stores.

RED Collado noted, that the remaining 10 percent will be released after completing its liquidation of the 90 percent initial allocation [P900,000.00].

He assured, that the group can still avail other programs of DA to scale up their farming endeavors, especially on the marketing aspect.

Meanwhile, Desierto said, the vehicle will be used for the rolling store, where they can market the produce of local farmers and fishers directly to the consumers in the different barangays of Kauswagan and all other towns of Lanao del Norte.

“Dako kaayong ikatabang ang maong programa, hilabina karon sa panahon sa pandemya diin kadaghanan sa mga konsumante galikay sa pagsulod sa mga pampublikong merkado aron mahilayu sa sakit nga COVID-19. Pinaagi sa dugang nga tabang pinansyal sa DA Enhanced Kadiwa program, makapalit na kami og usa ka utility van nga among magamit sa paghatod ug pagbaligya ngadto sa mga kabaranggayan, sa mga preskong utanon, prutas, isda, karne ug uban pa, sa presyo nga mas barato,” she expressed.

[The program is beneficial, especially during this pandemic, where most consumers refrain from entering public markets, which are usually crowded amid the COVID-19 health crisis. With this DA financial grant of Enhanced Kadiwa program, we can purchase a utility van that will be used to bring our fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, pork, beef, poultry products, among others for sale, at reasonable prices.]

Currently, PAWFED has a total of 1,600 members from across Lanao del Norte, and has consistently been recognized as Most Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal in the region since 2014 until present.

According to DA-10 AMAD OIC-Chief Larry L. Paraluman, aside from PAWFED, four other FCAs in the region have availed the Enhanced Kadiwa financial grant under Bayanihan I and II, starting last year.# (EMBentulan)

On April 26, DA-NorMin releases P746,886.00 to Shamus Farm, which serves as the gov’t’s transpo assistance for their shipment of hogs to Metro Manila to help stabilize its local retail pork prices.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao releases on April 26 its transportation assistance to Shamus Farm for its first two shipments of hogs with a total of 35,566 kilograms to Metro Manila within 60-day price ceiling.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed two checks with a total amount of P746,886 to Leon G. Tan, Jr., owner of Shamus Farm and the President of the Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association, Inc. (NORMINHOG).

In February, DA issued a memorandum for transport support for live pigs from Visayas and Mindanao to Metro Manila to help stabilize its local retail pork prices.

“This is such a huge help to us, hog raisers, that the transportation cost was subsidized. We are happy that the agri department was able to deliver their promise of helping our hog raisers and provide food to areas that are greatly in need especially in time of the ASF and pandemic,” said Tan.

Other hog suppliers in Northern Mindanao will soon receive the reimbursement of their transpo assistance once they have complied and process the necessary requirements.#(CSeraspe)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The local government of Tubod, Lanao del Norte and Mindanao State University – Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (MSU-LNAC) in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, LDN each received P5 million worth of projects for the establishment of Goat Multiplier Breeder Farm project in their localities from the Department of Agriculture -10 on April 28.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over said checks to the beneficiaries represented by Tubod Municipal Administrator Margarito D. Bete, Jr. and MSU-LNAC Head Dr. Indihra B. Dimaporo-Tawantawan, Al-Hadja with an aim to improve the goat industry of the province.

Funded under DA’s National Livestock Program, the goat multiplier project comprised the following components: goat breeders worth P1.53 million, supplies (P500,000), equipment (P815,000) and farm housing facilities amounting to P2.1 million and admin cost (P50,000).

RED Collado urged them to fast track their procurement and the availability of their pasture to aid in upgrading goat breeds which could contribute to the small ruminants industry of said towns.

He also encouraged them to avail DA’s assistance for sorghum production, as an alternative nutritious and economical feeds to poultry and livestock farming.

Administrator Bete expressed, that DA’s initiative is very helpful to their community, not only to provide livelihood to farmers, but also populate high-grade small ruminants in their municipality.

Tawantawan said, they can showcase the multiplier farm to their agriculture students, farmers and other interested individuals being a service provider and learning site in SND.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga advised them to collaborate with the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of LDN to come up with a proposal for the establishment of a Halal Slaughterhouse, which can be a pilot project in the region.

Of which is covered under DA Memorandum Order No.34, Enterprise Development through Establishment of Sustainable Livestock and Poultry Halal Multiplier Farms.

To further augment their income, DA-10 Livestock Program Coordinator Maria Lourdes M. Sypiecco shared, they can venture to other value adding products of goat like dairy products and soap making. # (EMBentulan)

On April 26, four NorMin FCAs receive financial grants under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) handed in P7.2 million worth of checks to four Farmer’s Cooperative and Associations (FCAs) in Northern Mindanao for the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program on April 26, 2021, in this city.

Receiving P4.5 million is the Kahusayan Consumer’s Cooperative of Kitaotao, Bukidnon while Miarayon Highland Farmer’s Association in Talakag, Bukidnon, Paglingkawas Women Federation in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, and Canitoan Farmer’s Association Multipurpose Cooperative in Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City received P900,000 each.

OIC-Chief of Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD-10) Larry E. Paraluman said, that the grant aims to uplift the FCAs in terms of enterprise.

“This financial grant aims to upgrade and enhance existing enterprises of benefiting FCAs by providing them with additional working capital, logistics, among others. With this grant, they can improve their services and run their enterprise more efficiently and provide accessibility and availability of food in their respective areas, especially in this time of the pandemic.”

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado challenged the recipients to properly manage their grant to avail more assistance from the department soon.

“I hope that you can properly implement the assistance that the department has given you so you can still avail for more grants and projects from DA in the future. By that time, we are confident that with your capabilities, we can entrust you with even bigger projects.”

The Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program is part of DA Secretary William D. Dar’s commitment of harnessing farmer’s participation in the food supply distribution system by scaling up their activities from production to marketing.

Said grants are funded under the Bayanihan Act II as part of the COVID-19 interventions response. # (CRSeraspe)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) convened with the organic agriculture (OA) focal persons and report officers from some of the local governments in Region 10 for the crafting of the 2022-2027 OA roadmap.

Said three-day activity which started on April 21 focused on the conduct of a workshop to lay down a blueprint for the priority programs, projects and interventions to be implemented regionwide for the cited period towards the promotion and development of OA.

With the roadmap serving as the guide, DA and its partners at the local levels eye for the attainment of RA 10068 or the OA Act of 2010’s goal of having a thriving OA industry, contributing to better farm income, improved farmers and consumers’ protection, enhanced soil fertility and farm biodiversity, and environmental protection. # (JCAnito)