DA-10 leads the groundbreaking for the construction of the P2-M cattle feedlot with fence in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, which aims to aid in the production of quality cattle and to assure sustainable source of animals and income.

IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – To intensify cattle production in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the cattle feedlot with fence amounting to P1.99 million on July 18, 2022 in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

A total of 466.44 square meters of cattle feedlot is allocated to the Local Government Unit of Impasug-ong, which aims to produce quality cattle and to assure a sustainable source of animals and income.

DA-10 Livestock program focal person Maria Lourdes M. Sypiecco said, the program will benefit not only the municipality but to include Bukidnon province and the region, as well, in terms of cattle production.

Director Collado shared, “With this, cattle productivity in Region 10 will be sustained and maintained since our region is the number one producer of cattle in the country.”

According to PSA data, for the first quarter of this year, Northern Mindanao is the top producer of cattle with 10.92 thousand metric tons, liveweight or 20.9 percent share of the country’s total cattle production.

Meanwhile, Impasug-ong vice-mayor, Johnny A. Chavez expressed his gratitude to RED Collado for choosing their town as one of the recipients of the 2022 cattle multiplier farm project.

“This effort of the agency is aligned with the food security program of the government, and we, the LGU will take part in maintaining and assuring its sustainability,” he added.

Said facility is one of the components of the P5-M 2022 Cattle Multiplier Farm Livelihood Enterprise program funded by the national Livestock program of DA.

Ahead of the ceremony, the agency has delivered 58 heads of heifer (female cattle) amounting to P2.9-M and additional 2 heads of bull in May, of this year. # (RDMElloren/Photo Credits: JCAnito)

DA-10 and its Korean partners orient MisOr governor Unabia on the rural development project in Brgy. Malagana, Claveria, MisOr.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Representatives of the Korea Rural Community Corp. (KRCC) with the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado briefed Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia on the rural development project in barangay Malagana, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The continuous support of the Korean government to the Philippines through the KRCC in 2013 has helped the corn farmers in the said area improve the quality of their produce with the facilities provided.

LGU Claveria has invested P7 million to make the project workable aside from the P37.8 million funding (from the Korean government) and P26.06 million from the Philippine government.

Jeong Min Ryu of KRCC said that the small-scale project is for the betterment of the farmers, however, it will be upgraded as part of its improvement.

The facility has warehouse, production, and postharvest equipment which has been recommended for upgrading but is subject to funding approval from the Korean government.

Ms. Ryu added that they will accept proposals not limited to corn commodities that will be put up in Misamis Oriental.

Gov. Unabia shared that under his administration, he will install a storage facility and the PLGU will buy the produce of the farmers to neutralize the prices in the market.

He emphasized that it would be a revenue-generating and self-sustaining project.

The Korean team with their expert Kyoungsub Choi of SH Dryer was assisted by the DA-10 in assessing the facility through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and the LGU Claveria.#(ATC)

Farmers and AEWs of Lanao Norte and CdeO Muslim communities training on Halal Farming System with the aim of expanding such farming system in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To expand Halal farming in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) conducted a training on Halal Farming System to the farmers and agricultural extension workers of Lanao del Norte, and CdeO Muslim communities, here in the city on July 11-12, 2022.

Spearheaded by the department’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the two-day capabuild highlighted the benefits of organic farming, which is one of the requirements for a farm to be accredited Halal.

With the expertise of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO) of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, the participants learned on the different organic farm practices, such as Vermiculture, Bokashi and Biodynamic Composting.

DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, reportedly, the Halal industry has flourished, since 11 percent of the country’s population are Muslims, which is also seen to multiply in 2030 worldwide.

The Halal Food Industry Development Program is a flagship program of the department, which was launched in April 2018.

“This training is important since it is in line with the anticipated potential of the Halal industry that is around P5 billion due to its demand in the local and international market. Aside from this, the Department of Tourism has been promoting Halal products and services for the visiting Muslim and even non-Muslim countries, who prefer clean and organic foods,” said DA-10 AMAD Asst. Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe.

During the training, the participants also had their workshop in coming up with a proposal on having an organic diversified farm, which may include having a potable water source, and an area where Muslim farmers can pray or perform any rituals.

DA-NorMin LDN Provincial Operations Center Chief and the program alternate focal Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo explained, the activity will equip the farmers with the proper setup of the farm following the Halal ways, which eventually they can put up in their respective areas and have them certified as Halal farms.

He shared, that the group will also undertake another training on value-adding and marketing to thoroughly enhance their skills as they engage into a bigger market.# (EMB)

Corn farmers from the municipality of Gitagum received P3K each as part of DA-10’s assistance to temper farmers’ brunt on fuel expenses.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three hundred, eighty-one corn farmers from Gitagum, Misamis Oriental received their fuel discount cards each amounting to P3K on Wednesday, July 14, 2022 at the Municipal Gym, here in this town.

Said recipients are the third batch of corn farmers regionwide, who have been provided by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Northern Mindanao through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, with fuel subsidy to temper the farmers’ brunt on fuel expenses, which forms an important component of the operating cost in farming.

In coordination with the local government of said town and the Universal Storefront Services, Corp., the fuel assistance was distributed to the corn farmer-beneficiaries, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the use of machineries and facilities as part of DA’s extensive promotion on mechanization to modernize and enhance productivity in the agricultural sector. # (JLO)

DA-10 and LGU Claveria convene with its Korean partners, as they target for the upgrading of the CPC in barangay Malagana.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and the local government of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, convened with its Korean partners, as they eye for the improvement of the corn processing complex (CPC) in barangay Malagana.

A rural development project funded by the Korean (P37.8-million) and Philippine (P26.06-M) governments, the facility comprising a warehouse, and production and postharvest equipment, among others, was completed in 2013.

Since then, it has helped corn farmers in the locality to produce quality grains and to reduce postharvest losses, overall enabling them to command better prices for their produce and earn decent incomes.

Particularly, the recent coordination stemmed from LGU Claveria’s request for the provision of experts to conduct an inspection of the CPC from the Korea Rural Community, Corp. (KRCC) thru the assistance of DA-10, in order to assess the facility and identify which portions warrant replacement, repair and/or maintenance.

To this end, a delegation was sent led by Jeong Min Ryu of KRCC and experts from the corn processing machine manufacturer, SH Dryer – Kyoungsub Choi and Philip Briston (Phl branch).

Citing the CPC’s vital role in catering to the drying needs of corn farmers, Rolando M. Alfanta, municipal engineer of LGU Claveria reported, that their office has set aside P7-M for the upkeep of the complex amid challenges in the availability of experts and some spare parts for its repair and maintenance.

He added that they have done modifications to the facility for a more localized setting, paving the way to easier pursue repair and maintenance works.

Agreeing to the value of the corn processing machine, Claveria mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar said, that it greatly aids farmers, as it can accommodate the drying of corn [in cobs] from 10 hectares with an average of 10 tons per hectare within a three-day interval.

With Claveria town devoting approximately 10,000 hectares of land to corn farming, the local chief executive even clamored for the expansion of the facility.

Given the limited budget, however, to work on the implementation of future development assistance to the municipality, Ms. Ryu asked the concerned office to prioritize items for fund assistance.

LGU Claveria presented its P11.8-M worth proposal, comprising the 30×10.8-meter building extension (P4.8-M); repair of the existing building (P1-M); and the provision of agricultural equipment support facility (P6-M). Of which, the amount excludes for improvement of the existing corn drying facility from SH Dryer.

The Korean team leader responded, that by next week, she will be relaying the results of the site visit and coordination meeting, and further laid down to the body the timelines for the potential project grant to LGU Claveria, in which the bidding process will likely start in August and for implementation towards the end of the year.

As it is midyear, DA-10 through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga committed for the agency to cover for the maintenance and other operating expenses and provide technical assistance for the upcoming convergence project for Claveria town.

The agri official further recommended for LGU Claveria to explore in shouldering the duties and taxes, and demurrage fees, on top of providing the land area and manpower for their proposed project as their counterpart.

Reportedly, Claveria farmers are paying P1.50 per kilo (dried kernels) as a drying fee for the use of the CPC, but is still subject to changes in view of the increasing prices of fuel products. # (JLO)

Pan-ay IPM Kasakalikasan Farmers Association, Inc. of Clarin, Misamis Occidental receives their prizes for emerging as the champion for the Search of the Best Communal Garden regionwide.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Pan-ay IPM Kasakalikasan Farmers Association, Inc. of Clarin, Misamis Occidental, declared as the champion for the Search of the Best Communal Garden regionwide, was conferred with prizes along with other participating farmers’ associations and local government unit (LGU).

This, after they have been named among the winners, during a virtual awarding ceremony held a week earlier.

Launched in November 2021, the contest which is initiated by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) in partnership with the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA)-Northern Mindanao, Pineapple Chapter, eyes to attain food security and adequacy at the community levels.

Leading the handover of cash prizes and various agricultural interventions is DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and PAA Northern Mindanao Pineapple chapter President Carlota S. Madriaga.

For bagging the top spot, Panay IPM received P77K worth of agri interventions (10 modules of free-range chicken, 1 set of garden tools, 1 unit wheelbarrow, 10 units plastic crate, and 30 packets of 5-in-1 assorted vegetable seeds), P15K cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

Finishing second, Calaocalao Rice Small Farmers Association, Inc. of Don Carlos, Bukidnon was granted with P52K agri interventions (8 modules of free-range chicken, 1 set of garden tools, 30 packets of 5-in-1 assorted vegetable seeds, and 1 unit wheelbarrow), P12K cash prize and a plaque of recognition.

Third placer, Brgy. Libertad of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, accepted the P38.5K worth of agricultural interventions (6 modules of free-range chicken, 30 packets of 5-in-1 assorted vegetable seeds, and 1 unit wheelbarrow, P10K cash prize, and a plaque of recognition.

Consolation prizes amounting to P5K each were also turned over to the Sinai Rural Improvement Club Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, and Tangaro Young Farmers of Catarman, Camiguin.

“This search is timely in response to President-Secretary Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s marching order for the agency to work fast and attend to the food production matter properly,” RTD Madriaga remarked.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado commended the farmers’ association and LGU, and pinned his hopes that the existing communal gardens will be replicated, maintained, and sustained.

“Through communal gardening, we are not only providing a solution for the coming food crisis as what Pres-Sec directed, but we get our own sources of food right in our own backyards, for us to grow and manage together with our families, neighbors, and our friends,” RED Collado concluded. # (JCAnito)

DA-10 in coordination with LGU Malaybalay City hands over agri interventions to aid IP farmers from barangays Kibalabag and Can-ayan.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Aiming to increase farmers’ productivity and income, the Department of Agriculture Regional – Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in partnership with the local government unit of Malaybalay City handed over agricultural interventions to barangays Kibalabag and Can-ayan, this city.

Around 50 farmers received about P301K worth of agricultural interventions comprising, 5,000 pieces of abaca seedlings, 100 bags of chicken manure, 200 bags of organic fertilizer, 10 rolls of garden hose, 5 units of knapsack sprayer, 5 rolls A-net, 5 rolls laminated sack, 5 pcs water plastic drum, and 150 packets of assorted vegetable seeds.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, said intervention is in support to the development of the Ancestral Domains of the Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC)/IPs for the enhancement of agricultural productivity, uplift rural people from poverty, improve livelihood and increase farmer’s income.

Said agri assistance is funded by the department’s Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks) program which is intended to help in the development of tribal communities in the country.

He added that DA’s efforts are also in support of Executive Order No. 70 (EO), instituting the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

Malaybalay City Mayor, Jay Warren R. Pabillaran challenged the farmers to properly manage the interventions provided by the government and sustain its gains.

Meanwhile, Bukidnon 2nd district representative Atty. Jonathan Keith T. Flores said, “With this aid, IP farmers here in Bukidnon will have a sustainable livelihood and I hope the planting of these abaca seedlings is just the beginning for the future production of fiber.”

Kibalabag Abaca Planters Association (KAPA) president Jemry L. Sagubay extended his gratitude to the department with the hope of developing their agri community .#(RDMElloren)

The DA regional and city agri offices and Pilmico convene, as they collectively target to help Iligan farmer-groups have a marketing tie-up with the latter.

Cagayan de Oro City – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, commits to continuously work with its agricultural partners for the development of more farmer-groups producing yellow corn in Iligan City.

In a brief meeting on July 12, 2022 at the agency compound, RED Collado convened with the City Agriculture’s Office (CAO) of Iligan City helmed by Kevin R. Fernan, officer-in-charge, and Pilmico Foods, Inc. represented by Maria Theressa N. Castillo, external relations manager, as they collectively eye in tapping and assisting farmer cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in the said city, to ink a marketing agreement with the latter, and eventually, deliver a portion of its corn requirements.

To enable the corn-producing groups capture an assured market through Pilmico, the involved parties are considering the downpour of more agri interventions such as the provision of farm machineries, drying facilities and storage, and the conduct of corn derbies and capability building activities, to ensure quality corn outputs.

Next week, another round of meeting will ensue, with focus on tackling Pilmico’s buying price, quality parameters, and documentary requirements to secure a marketing tie-up with them; CAO-Iligan’s report on the likely farm hectarage and FCAs to be committed in the cited engagement, among other relevant matters.# (JLO)

Iligan LGU receives a hauling truck from DA-10 to capacitate ICGEMPC in linking farm and fishery producers, and consolidators to the consumers.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Iligan City Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ICGEMPC) received P1 million financial grant from the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita program with the coop’s equity of around P500K.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado turned over the hauling truck amounting to P1.5 million to Aida R. Abarquez, ICGEMPC Kadiwa Coordinator on Wednesday, July 6 at the DA-RFO 10 Compound in Cagayan de Oro City.

The project is expected to capacitate the ICGEMPC in linking farm and fishery producers, and consolidators to the consumers by operating a “rolling store” employing the farm and fishery consolidation approach.

The vehicle will be utilized in transporting the products of at least 412 farmers and fishers from nine farming and coastal barangay in Iligan City to the storage areas, and finally to identified market locations within the city particularly subdivisions and relocation sites.

As part of their service expansion, four other barangays in Iligan will be included as target beneficiaries of the project.

The cooperative sells fruits and vegetables, fish and basic grocery supplies with their rolling stores.

The KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Program is a strategic marketing scheme initiated by the DA to link farmers and fisherfolk to the consuming public.

Such a cause primarily aims to make food readily available at a reasonable price for the consumers through the roll out of mobile retail stores in key urban locations.#(ATalib)

Minguez and Apa-ap forms part of the sixth batch for the year, who have professionally advanced.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two newly appointed and promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took their oath of office at the agency compound, here in the city on June 30.

The newly promoted and appointed DA-RFO 10 personnel with their corresponding positions and assignments are:

Lucille T. Minguez- Supervising Science Research Specialist (Regional Crop Pest Management Center)

Gilbert A. Apa-ap- Agriculturist I (Field Operations Division)

Administering the oathtaking for the sixth batch of the year, who has professionally advanced is DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, in the presence of Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, who is at the same time the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board chair, and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Carmelita T. Bajarla, and concerned division chiefs.# (JCAnito)