Aiming for an efficient delivery of the government’s assistance to small rice farmers, the DA-Regional Field Office 10 thru OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened to discuss on the procedures of the Financial Subsidy to Rice Farmers (FSRF) distribution, in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao.

The Php3 billion national budget on FSRF program is DA’s another immediate intervention to augment the production and needs of small rice farmers affected by the low buying price of palay in effect of the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law.

With the program’s cash subsidy of Php5,000 each, farmer-beneficiaries with rice farm area of one hectare and below can also cope up with the emerging global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), the department will continue to distribute the financial assistance amid tight community quarantine (CQ) measures, to qualified farmers identified by the provincial agriculture offices, who are also listed under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

In a meeting with LBP Acting Marketing Assistant Hazelle D. Ybañez, RED Collado said, with the tight measures in the quarantined areas, the local governments and the municipal agriculture offices (MAOs) of the provinces must have control and anticipate the large number of beneficiaries who will be accommodated each day, conforming physical distancing policy inside the designated banks.

“Considering the huge number of beneficiaries, especially in MisOcc, DA will coordinate with the governor and other government officials, ahead of time to discuss on the program’s processing flow, without defying the LGUs’ CQ protocols,” Collado stressed.

In response to DA’s concern on the CQ measures, LBP has scheduled the list of claimants per day to avoid overcrowding during the distribution.

Ybañez also cited, that its servicing branches have also prepared a separate waiting area far from the counter to accommodate one farmer at a time.

Early this year, 2,620 rice farmers received DA’s first FSRF distribution amounting to Php13.1 million, while the remaining 7,266 farmers from MisOcc (6,544) and MisOr (722) will be expected to line up in the designated LBP branches for the cash assistance, starting May 15.

In a meeting with the municipal agriculture officers in MisOr  and LBP servicing branches, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga stated, that the regional office will give an advance notice in case of possible changes, due to the changing CQ measures implemented by the LGUs between boundaries of the cities and towns in the provinces. #

Cagayan de Oro City- In support to DA’s mandate of making food available, accessible and affordable, the Philippine Coconut Authority – Region 10 (PCA-10) launched the Kadiwa at Diskwento Outlet for the region’s coconut products and by-products on May 8 at the agency’s compound.

Starting next week, PCA-10’s Kadiwa outlet will be opened from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00AM to 3:00PM at Sotero, Daumar Street, Brgy. 39.

Products being sold such as cooking oil, vinegar, coco sugar and buko pie are offered at discounted prices, as they are directly sourced from the coconut farmers federation and stakeholders.

The coconut cooking oil courtesy of Granexport Manufacturing, Corp.’s Minola oil, was purchased by PCA-10 Employees Association at a wholesale price.

PCA-10 Regional Director Brendan P. Trasmonte said, the Kadiwa outlet helps DA’s ‘Ani at Kita’ program to boost the coconut farmers’ income at the same time making food more available and affordable for marginalize urban communities.

“This is an ideal time for PCA to support DA as its mother unit, by promoting the major coconut products at reasonable prices to cope up with this economic crisis caused by the pandemic COVID-19,” he added.

Likewise, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office has also donated face shields to the agency’s frontliners and vendors, as a precautionary measure against the pandemic virus. PCA-10’s Kadiwa outlet is in partnership with Ged’s Coco Sugar, Suka Pinakurat and Balay.#(EMB)

LGU Munai will strategically utilize the farm machineries – 1 unit 100-hp farm tractor, 1 unit 35-hp farm tractor and 1 unit rice combine harvester to help the farmers’ transition into modern farming.

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program turned over on Monday, May 11, 2020 Php5.1 million worth of farm machineries to the local government (LGU) of Munai, Lanao del Norte.

The agri support comprises 1 unit 100-horsepower (hp) farm tractor for rice, 1 unit 35-hp farm tractor for corn and 1 unit rice combine harvester.

Having received SAAD assistance, the LGU hopes to upscale rice and corn production of the town strategically as means for poverty eradication.

“This assistance from DA-10 will surely improve our agriculture in Munai. With DA’s support I am hopeful that the lives of our farmers will be better. They can now farm productively with much ease and comfort,” said Munai Mayor Racma D. Andamama.

In his message, DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado expressed his full support of the LGU’s agricultural development program.

“Munai is the first hinterland LGU in Lanao del Norte to ever received farm machineries from DA-10. This is because I fully support your mayor’s commitment to develop your town’s agriculture,” Director Collado asserted.

Despite bankable potential, agricultural development in Munai has been sidelined for many years.

“Owing it to your mayor’s dedication to agriculture, you can expect more assistance from DA this year and in the years to come,” Director Collado vouched, promising more agri machinery assistance and farm inputs subsidy to the town farmers.

In the same occasion, 325 rice farmers in Munai each received Php5,000.00 cash assistance from DA totaling to Php1.6 million under the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA).

The aid ought to help rice farmers procure needed farm inputs for the coming planting season in June.

In the event, DA-10 also turned over 1 unit 90-hp farm tractor worth Php2.5 million to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade under DA-10 Normalization Program.

The intervention was received by the unit’s commander, Brigadier General Facundo Palafox IV.

Overwhelmed by the support her town received, Mayor Andamama gratefully acknowledged DA as partner for progress.# (ATalib)

The Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10), led by OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado audience with Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo on May 11, 2020 to discuss ways forward in the implementation of priority agricultural projects in the province.

During the meeting, RED Collado presented various agricultural interventions implemented and lined up for implementation in the province under DA’s banner programs.

Among the highlighted DA-10 interventions and assistance to the province (COVID-related and regular projects) are:

1. Distribution of P34.8-million (M) Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) to 6,970 rice farmers in the province under the Rice Program.
2. Distribution of 61,588 bags fertilizers, 16,681 bags inbred rice seeds and 3,629 bags hybrid rice seeds subsidy through DA’s Rice Resiliency Program.
3. Turnover of P5.1-M worth of farm machineries to the local government unit (LGU) of Munai under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program.
4. Turnover of 4 units Incubator worth Php204,000 to LGU Tubod, Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (LNAC) in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, and Tago Ranao Farmers Association under the Livestock Program.
5. Distribution of assorted vegetable seeds for the province’s home gardening campaign.

Issues and concerns raised by the Governor were noted and underscored by DA-10 for appropriate actions by the agency.

RED Collado disclosed in the meeting, DA-10 will be prioritizing Lanao Norte’s hinterland LGUs in its future agricultural plans and programs, as part of the agency’s inclusive and expansive agricultural development agenda. #

CdeO City, May 5, 2020 – Through DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) – Region 10 received 100 packets of assorted vegetable seeds from the regional office of the Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10), thru OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

The NCMF is a government agency, which promotes the rights of Muslim Filipinos, pushing them to become active participants in Philippine nation-building under the supervision of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

NCMF-10 Administrative Assistant III Mohammad G. Naga received the assistance comprising of eggplant, ampalaya, monggo beans, okra, string beans, squash and pechay which will be distributed to the Muslim women in Barangay Balulang of this city, as part of their planned activities amid the community quarantine.

“Aside from the women’s organization in Balulang, the NCMF also considers to include the veggie seeds along in the distribution of food packs to Muslim families, in some areas of Misamis Oriental,” Naga said.

The Plant, Plant, Plant Program also known as “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) kontra COVID-19 is one of DA’s immediate moves to scale-up the country’s food production and sufficiency amid emergency crisis.# (EMB)

As Region 10 heightens its quarantine initiatives, the agriculture department extends its gratitude to the Philippine National Police (PNP), for braving and serving as frontliners during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Bukidnon police personnel represented by Provincial Director Roel L. Lami-ing, received balut eggs from DA, courtesy of San Miguel Foods, Inc. to help them boost their energy and nutrition while manning the different quarantine checkpoints. #

Some top officials in Mindanao convened, as four provinces, including Region 10’s own: Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, agrees to serve as among the model rural resettlement communities under the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program, with the other two being Zamboanga del Norte and North Cotabato.

Pursuant to Executive No. 114 dated May 6, it aims to drum up development in the provinces by attracting workers to return to their hometowns, once community quarantines are lifted; thereby decongesting the country’s capital. Among the priority key areas are on agriculture, infrastructure, social welfare, health and employment, and local industries.

In attendance is Emmanuel F. Piñol, chief of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the office tasked to build the first ever rural resettlement model; Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri and Department of Agriculture – 10 executive Carlene C. Collado. #

Amid the pandemic, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) continues its provision of livelihood assistance through the dispersal of Itik Pinas and Free Range Chicken to beneficiaries in the region from April 21-30, 2020.

With a combined total of Php682,000, DA-10 turned over 1,280 heads of Itik Pinas and 84 heads of Free Range Chicken to recipients from Bukidnon (Maramag), Lanao del Norte (Iligan City), Misamis Occidental (Plaridel, Sinacaban, Jimenez, Aloran, and the Provincial Veterinary Office) and Misamis Oriental (El Salvador, Naawan and Claveria).

Under the Livelihood Assistance Program of the DA-10 Livestock Program, the said assistance aims to provide income-generating enterprise to recipients, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. #

Photo credits: PIA-10/Philip Vincent S. Bautista

CdeO City, May 5 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) continues to recognize the selfless dedication and commitment of the Region’s frontliners against COVID-19, as it hands over some 94 trays of balut eggs donated by San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI).

Included in its roster of recipients are the Northern Mindanao Medical Center with 20 trays; Philippine National Police (20); Department of Health (10); Veterinary Quarantine Service (10); National Economic Development Authority (10); Bureau of Plant Industry (10); Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (10); and the Philippine Information Agency (4).

“Today’s distribution is only part of the 10,000 balut eggs provided to us [agency] by SMFI,” OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of DA-10 said.

Said provisions also marks the third wave of food assistance by SMFI, as they have also previously donated to the agency 28,000 pieces of balut and fresh eggs.

“With the food company’s pouring generosity, we are much driven to also do the same and share it to our frontliners, who risk their lives every single day to respond to the ongoing health crisis,” the DA exec added.

The agency head further said, that for being modern-day heroes, the agriculture community will continue to support them in whatever possible way.

“As you tirelessly carry out your daily tasks at the frontlines, we, [at the department], hope for your safety, so that more help will be underway for those afflicted and to also curb the spread of the dreaded disease,” Collado concluded.

The remaining balut eggs are eyed to be given to the medical workers and frontliners in Bukidnon province while the rest will be divided among the DA-10 personnel. #

Cagayan de Oro City – After receiving report implicating a leading supermarket in the city selling processed food containing pork meat from Luzon, the Northern Mindanao African Swine Fever (ASF) Task Force conducted joint inspection, Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

The team coposed of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10’s (DA-RFO 10) Regulatory Division, Bureau of Animal Industry – Veterinary Quarantine Services (DA-BAI-VQS) and the City Veterinary Office of Cagayan de Oro.

During the inspection, packages of “pork-based special quikiam” manufactured by food company based in Cavite were found on display in the supermarket’s chiller, warranting appropriate action by the ASF Task Force.

As part of government’s effort to curb ASF infestation, pork products from ASF-affected areas are banned in the entire Northern Mindanao (NorMin).

“Based on Executive Order No. 172 goods containing pork coming from ASF-infected areas (domestic or international) will be confiscated and disposed properly. Right now, we will seal these products pending documents showing their delivery details,” Dr. Lucien Anthony P. Acac, Cagayan de Oro City OIC-Veterinarian said.

The food items will be confiscated and buried if they are found delivered after the EO was enforced, on and after September 27, 2019.

“What we are doing is part of the mandate of the ASF Task Force. We are doing this to ensure the food consumed by the buying public is safe, clean and good,” Dr. Acac added, saying his office will remain operational despite COVID-19 quarantine.

To date, CdeO City Veterinary Office has reported a total of six apprehensions as violation to EO 172. All cases involved mischievous movement of pork products from Luzon, Davao and General Santos cities.

ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease of hogs. The disease has no known cure and is rapidly spreading across many countries, Philippines included.

To protect the local hog industry in NorMin, DA-10 is actively working with the local government units (LGUs) and other line agencies in the region to prevent the entry of the disease.

Following cases of confirmed ASF-caused swine deaths in some areas in Mindanao, DA recently issued Memorandum Circular No. 3 series of 2020 ordering all concerned attached agencies and bureaus, most especially BAI, to implement stricter anti-ASF measures in Mindanao.

DA is pushing for the implementation of 24/7 animal quarantine checkpoints equipped with disinfection facilities, mandatory inspection of docking vessels in Mindanao ports, close coordination with the LGUs to establish and maintain checkpoints to inspect passengers coming from ASF-affected areas, and ultimately, confiscation and destruction of all pork products from ASF-affected zones and countries.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continuously ravaging the country’s economy now, the effort to protect the P25 billion hog industry in NorMin from ASF is imperative.#