Agri-10 and BSWM orient the LGUs of MisOcc and Lanao Norte on land use reclassification.

LANAO DEL NORTE — As the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) advocates for effective management of land resources through the local government units (LGUs) in the region, its Regulatory Division, in coordination with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), conducted a Briefing and Orientation on Land Use Reclassification and Other Regulatory Services on September 11-12, here.

The event, which centered on Memorandum Circular No. 54 (MC 54), Series of 1993, aimed to equip LGUs within their jurisdictions the necessary guidelines for reclassifying agricultural lands for nonagricultural purposes.

According to Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, chief of the Regulatory Division, understanding the reclassification process and its prescribed guidelines will help LGUs make informed actions that support sustainable development in their localities, ensuring that their land resources are efficiently and sustainably utilized for food and nonfood production and agro-industrialization.

During the sessions, Senior Agriculturist Novie T. Suello explained the technical aspects of DA MC No. 26, Series of 2022, covering the application processes for land use reclassification, with reasons pursuant to Section 3 of the Joint HLRB, DAR, DA, DILG MC, Series of 1995.

Suello emphasized that the LGUs through the Sanggunian concerned shall secure a DA Certification as per Section 2 (b) (1) of MC 54, Series of 1993 and submit the necessary requirements through the Regional Land Use Technical Working Group (RLUTWG) Secretariat.

The RLUTWG, together with the ALMED Technical Review Team, conducts the initial assessment on the application for reclassification and validates information and data, particularly on Network of Protected Areas for Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Development (NPAAAD) and Strategic Agricultural and Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZ).

Thus, representatives from the BSWM’s Agricultural Land Management and Evaluation Division (ALMED) presented the NPAAAD and SAFDZ maps, as the division acts as the depository of maps and relevant statistics.

The sessions ended in an open forum, highlighting that if areas proposed for reclassification are to remain agricultural, alternative areas for development will be recommended.

Present in the first session held in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, on September 11 were over 50 representatives from Misamis Occidental, and another batch of 50 representatives from Lanao del Norte attended the session on September 12 in Lala town, all from various Agricultural, Planning and Development, and Assessor’s offices at the municipal, city, and provincial levels of the said provinces.# (BJCE/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 supports Claveria farmers through the provision of assorted veggie seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continued effort to help communities engage in gardening culture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) extended its support through vegetable seed distribution to the Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Kalawitan Association (KMK) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental today, September 5, in the city.

A total of 60 vegetable seed packets, suitable for growing chop suey and pinakbet ingredients, were handed over by DA-10’s Regional Technical Director, Carlota S. Madriaga, together with High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person, Kersten S. Pagalan to KMK president Florentino Lamba III.

The association, which manages a land area spanning more than 2,000 square meters, envisions expanding its efforts to encourage community participation in gardening.

As one of the exhibitors in the DA’s KADIWA program, which ensures food commodities are accessible in urban areas, Lamba expressed optimism that with the DA’s support, the association can now offer even more affordable harvests to the community.

“The KMK has always strived to provide budget produce, even when we had to supply our own seedlings at first. Now, with the DA’s help, we can lower prices even more, making it easier for people to access fresh, affordable vegetables,” he said.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 supports Claveria farmers through the provision of assorted veggie seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continued effort to help communities engage in gardening culture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) extended its support through vegetable seed distribution to the Kahugpungan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Kalawitan Association (KMK) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental today, September 5, in the city.

A total of 60 vegetable seed packets, suitable for growing chop suey and pinakbet ingredients, were handed over by DA-10’s Regional Technical Director, Carlota S. Madriaga, together with High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person, Kersten S. Pagalan to KMK president Florentino Lamba III.

The association, which manages a land area spanning more than 2,000 square meters, envisions expanding its efforts to encourage community participation in gardening.

As one of the exhibitors in the DA’s KADIWA program, which ensures food commodities are accessible in urban areas, Lamba expressed optimism that with the DA’s support, the association can now offer even more affordable harvests to the community.

“The KMK has always strived to provide budget produce, even when we had to supply our own seedlings at first. Now, with the DA’s help, we can lower prices even more, making it easier for people to access fresh, affordable vegetables,” he said.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 and the Philippine Army collaborate for the conduct of an Onion derby at Camp Bahian, Brgy. Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBAY CITY, BUKIDNON – With the aim of motivating farmers to pursue onion farming, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) collaborates with the 403rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army for the Allium Derby Ceremonial Planting on September 10, at Camp Bahian, Barangay Impalambong, here.

DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan shared that the initiative marks the first collaboration for the conduct of an onion derby at the farmers level.

She added that the agency continues to explore options in planting red and white onions through the conduct of allium derby production in its different research stations, to determine the best climate and conditions in the hopes that the region produces its own and to easen the reliance on imports and supply from the Luzon area.

Meanwhile, 403rd IB Col Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr is grateful for the collaboration and stated that the initiative will also help former rebels and farmers in their community in learning how to plant onions through the help of different experts from seed companies.

The participating seed companies are Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Ramgo International, Corp., Allied Botanical Corp., Harbest Agribusiness Corp. and East-West Seed Philippines.

Further, the derby is anticipated for harvest by late November to early December.# (AMBM)

Agri-10 leads the launch of the Muleta CADP in barangay Pigtauranan for the protection, rehabilitation, and development of the Muleta Watershed, which covers a total of 21,630 hectares.

PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON — Acting on a shared interest for advancing resource conservation and sustainable development here, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) lead the launch of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP) on August 30, in Barangay Pigtauranan.

Spearheaded by the Regional Convergence Initiative – Technical Working Group (RCI-TWG), comprising the DAR, DENR, DILG, and the DA as lead convenor, with the Local Government (LGU) of Pangantucan, the launch bared the comprehensive and collaborative five-year development plan from 2023 to 2027, for the protection, rehabilitation, and development of the Muleta Watershed, which spans a total of 21,630 hectares and encompasses 11 barangays in Pangantucan town.

On behalf of DA Undersecretary for Operations and NCI-SRD chairperson Engr. Roger V. Navarro, Director Karen Kristine A. Roscom, PhD, who leads the National Secretariat of the NCI-SRD, lauded the collaboration of the RCI member-agencies and the local government toward the shared aspiration for sustainable development in the area.

“A key feature of the CADP is its convergence strategy. By aligning the efforts and resources of various stakeholders, we are creating synergies that enhance our impact,” Roscom said.

“This convergence model ensures that our initiatives are part of a larger, coordinated effort that maximizes the benefit for both livelihood opportunities and the environment,” she added.

The CADP, approved last March 13 by the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD), outlines a range of strategies and actions that address critical environmental, social, and developmental concerns inherent to the Muleta Watershed, and is seen to ultimately benefit some 33,007 residents in the area.

Pangantucan Municipal Agriculturist Teodoro B. Quirante III, explained that the CADP is structured to support the watershed’s protection and production zones, underscoring its dual focus on economic growth and environmental stewardship.

For areas classified under the watershed’s production zone, the CADP proposed interventions for agricultural and agri-industrial development, the construction of farm-to-market roads, the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, tourism development, and the expansion of the watershed’s commercial area.

Meanwhile, the CADP outlines actions to ensure the conservation and rehabilitation of the watershed’s protection zone, which include the establishment of forest buffers, advancing eco-tourism development, strategies for climate change mitigation, and ensuring the protection and proper utilization of said water source.

In a message of commitment for the convergence effort, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga assured that the DA remains steadfast in supporting local agricultural development.

Madriaga stressed that through the CADP, DA-10 has committed a total budget of P86.47 million to the municipality of Pangantucan for farm machinery, infrastructure, livelihood projects, production support, and training services.

Of which, about P74.8-M (87%) has been allocated by the Department to LGU Pangantucan through its banner programs for rice (P11-M), corn (P7.3-M), livestock (P15.7-M), high-value crops (P12.5k), farm-to-market roads (P15-M), and especially through the World Bank-funded DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (P25.8-M).

Further, she highlighted the value of collaboration with other national government agencies. “By working together, we can achieve far more than we could alone,” she said, encouraging a unified approach to ensure the success of the convergence efforts.

Meanwhile, on behalf of Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon expressed the provincial government’s support for the CADP, citing the passage of SP Resolution No. 2024-4032, adopting the Provincial Development Council’s support and approval for the said convergence effort.

Further, she thanked the NCI-SRD and the DA for leading the said project in Pangantucan, noting its implications on the guided development of the province and the benefits it provides for the people in Bukidnon.

Similarly, Pangantucan mayor Miguel A. Silva, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the project, recalling the current thrusts of the local government for agricultural development and job generation, which he said directly benefits from the strategies and actions provided in the CADP.

The event concluded with a signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by member-agencies of the RCI in Northern Mindanao, followed by a signing of a Pledge of Support joined by various stakeholders present, reaffirming their commitment to the sustainable and inclusive development of the Muleta Watershed Convergence Area.

Said member-agencies were duly represented by DENR-10 Regional Director Henry A. Adornado, PhD; DILG Bureau of Local Government Division chief Zaldy Masangkay; and DAR-10 Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Maybelle T. Alcala.

Also in attendance from the DA-10 were Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD; Provincial Operations Center for Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM; and RCI-TWG Secretariat Head Gay Nanette R. Aleria.

From the local government, also present in support were Municipal Administrator Atty. Janica Gee Samonte-Arabejo; and SB Committee on Agriculture chairperson Pio Secadron.# (BJCE, GDA)

The hybrid rice variety TH-82 NSIC Rc350H showcases resiliency, as featured in a demo farm in Sitio Incalbog, Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — A demonstration farm in Sitio Incalbog, Can-ayan, featuring the hybrid rice variety TH-82 NSIC Rc350H, has showcased resilience amid the El Niño phenomenon, highlighting its potential to thrive within an upland ecosystem.

This was underscored during a culmination program of the techno demo on August 22, in the said city. This was led by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) in partnership with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon province and Malaybalay City agriculture offices, and SeedWorks Philippines, Inc.

Chona H. Nacalaban, DA-10’s Rice program focal person, emphasized the importance of introducing the hybrid rice technology in upland conditions, and engage members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), especially in their ancestral areas with limited rice cultivation.

Launched last February 8, the planted rice variety was initially expected to be harvested by the third week of May, but faced a 58-day delay in maturity due to a significant lack of rainfall from March to May, albeit yielding 2.2 tons per hectare based on crop cut results after receiving rainfall in June.

For his part, Emmanuel F. Piñol, former DA Secretary and an early supporter of the initiative, lauded the demo farm’s success as a significant milestone for Philippine agriculture.

“The ability of this rice variety to survive drought and continue growing, despite a delayed maturity period, underscores its potential to revolutionize rice production in upland areas,” Piñol remarked.

“This breakthrough could allow us to cultivate rice in areas previously reliant on irrigation,” he added, while further noting that it is pivotal in easing the reliance on rice imports and addressing the need to feed the growing population by expanding and improving available tribal areas of the country for rice production.

The demo farm, covering 3,000 square meters, is a precursor to developing the 300 hectares within the BUKTAMACO ancestral domains, which overall seeks to implement sustainable farming practices tailored to upland environments, at the same time bolstering food security in the region.# (BJCE)

Valencia City farmers receive assistance from the DA-10 through its Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project.

Valencia City, Bukidnon – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan rolled out about P2.934-million (M) in fuel subsidy to farmers who own or rent functional agricultural machinery for food production.

On August 19, at the Gymnasium and Cultural Center, here, some 978 eligible farmers received their fuel assistance allocation worth P3k each which was loaded into the DA Intervention Monitoring Card (IMC), issued in partnership with the Universal Storefront Services, Corp.

Per implementing guidelines of the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project for FY 2023, the fuel subsidy aims to temper the farmers’ brunt on fuel expenses, which forms part of the important operating costs in farming; thereby, enhancing their resiliency and cushioning the impact of the surge of oil price hikes in the agricultural sector.

Eligible recipients are either individual farmer or farmer-member of a Farmer Cooperative, Association (FCA) with proof of machinery ownership or rental agreement uploaded in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS), and further, they must be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Supporting the event is Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas, who has put a premium on the provision of fuel assistance from the national government through the DA, noting that farmers in the locality are coping as well with the El Niño-triggered effects on their planting and other farm operations.

DA-10’s partner on the ground in the validation of farmer-beneficiaries, the city agriculture’s office of Valencia headed by Connie L. Dalangan, congratulated the farmers to have been granted intervention by the government, as the fuel assistance will help mechanize and modernize their agricultural production systems.
“I hope that you have felt the presence and sincerity of the government, that through this gesture [of providing fuel subsidy], it may serve as an inspiration [to all our farmers] to work even harder to augment their yield and income.” the city agriculturist remarked.

Spearheaded by the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division of the DA-10, the agency is set to cap off this week’s fuel assistance distribution tomorrow, August 20, in Kitaotao town, where P1.212-M will be dispensed to 404 farmers, in the said locality via their DA IMC.# (JLO)

Agri-10 through its Regulatory Division capacitates the pest surveillance officers across MisOcc and Lanao Norte provinces.

The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, conducted a Retooling of Pest Surveillance Officers (PSO) on August 14-15 in Lala, Lanao del Norte.

Attended by PSOs from the local government units of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, the training aims to enhance their capacity to combat pest and disease threats.

DA-10 Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD welcomed the participants, citing the need to refresh and update the skills to effectively manage pest and disease threats.

Moreover, Senior Agriculturist Novie T. Suello shed a light in identifying crop pests and diseases through exhibit introduction.

“We [the DA-10] have prepared specimens so you can see the actual appearance of insects and diseases, as photos alone can be misleading, to help you correctly identify them,” he stated.

The exhibit aimed to provide participants with hands-on experience, allowing them to closely observe and study the physical characteristics of plant pests and diseases.

Furthering the program’s objectives, DA-10 Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) Senior Science Research Specialist Jocelyn Octat provided updates on the spread of Fall Armyworm in corn and Pestalotiopsis sp. in rubber across the region, urging farmers to thoroughly inspect their crops.

“Crops might appear healthy at first glance, but FAWs could already be burrowing into the plant’s growing point, leading to eventual withering,” Octat warned.

“This behavior is known as cryptic feeding because pests camouflage within the plant, making them difficult to detect without close inspection,” she added.

As progressed, Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Services (BPI-PQS) representatives also shared updates on the Movement of Plant Products, Procedures, and Guidelines, and Emerging Plant Pests and Diseases in the Philippines.

Additionally, the RCPC reviewed Biological Control Methods and introduced an Online Monitoring System for Plant Pests and Diseases.

With the sessions completed, participants took part in post-tests; these tests were compared with pre-tests taken before the sessions began to assess their improvement in identification, ultimately aiming for better pest and disease management.

Through DA-10’s commitment to strengthening pest surveillance across the region, a similar event was held earlier last August 7-8, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, for PSOs from Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.# (BJME)

DA-10 through its AMAD urges local farmers and agribusinesses to comply with food safety regulations.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged an awareness seminar on food safety and regulations on August 15, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city.

During which, the agency apprised almost 50 local farmers, agri-enterprises from the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte on key concepts and relevant laws on food safety.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, AMAD Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe emphasized its importance for local stakeholders engaged in the production of agricultural commodities and food products.

“[The DA] conducts this seminar annually because we handle food, and therefore it is our commitment to our consumers that what we deliver is safe and free from foodborne diseases,” Caraballe said.

Through Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the ‘Food Safety Act of 2013’, the DA and its attached regulatory agencies, bureaus and corporations are identified as food safety regulatory agencies (FSRAs) responsible for the implementation of laws, standards, and programs on food safety in the primary production and post-harvest stages of the food supply chain.

Said regulatory agencies include the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the National Dairy Authority.

Underscoring the role of the local government in the implementation of food safety laws, Andrew M. Calimutan of the Office of the DA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations said that the Department, through the aforementioned regulatory agencies, continues to engage and assist LGUs in the formulation of local ordinances on food safety.

Further, he said that the agency is presently revisiting its regulatory policies to ensure that they are retrofitted to current industry and trade standards, and remain in service to consumer and food safety interests.

Under RA 10611, DA conducts trainings for local producers and food business operators on food safety to ensure their compliance with industry standards, including the Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Code of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).

Market Specialist IV Irish O. Ativo from the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service said that these standards and compliance certifications provide a competitive advantage for food business operators, as it allows for market expansion and builds consumer trust and confidence in their products.

During the session, the farmers were also kept abreast of practical food handling practices for agricultural produce, salient information on the Participatory Guarantee System, and a comprehensive review of the activities and services offered by the Food Safety Operations Unit of the BPI-Plant Product Safety Services Division.

They were also briefed on the strategies for marketing GAP-certified products through the Department’s KADIWA marketing program.

In closing, Caraballe urged the participants to apply their learnings gained throughout the session in their respective enterprises and agricultural production, highlighting its implications in building public trust, consumer safety, and food quality and nutrition.

The said activity is in line with the Department’s refined thrusts toward a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’ under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.# (GDA)

DA-10 supports the nutrition initiative of an association and CdeO City government through the provision of veggie seeds for distribution.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen its efforts of promoting vegetable production and consumption, at the same time a healthier lifestyle, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, provides assorted vegetable seeds to its nutrition partners in the region.

On August 13 at the agency compound, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga together with Engr. Reggie T. Vivas, regional nutrition focal person, turned over 100 packets apiece of Chopsuey, Pinakbet and Sinigang variants of veggie seeds to Gemma Pearl I. Gallasa, nutritionist/dietician of the CdeO City Health Department.

Aligned with the department’s goal of expanding and improving available agricultural areas for increased production and in support to the hunger and mitigation initiatives of the government, Gallasa bared that said provisions will be distributed among the participants in an upcoming Nutrition forum, to be held in Manolo Fortich town.

The event, she added, is spearheaded by the District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators Association of the Philippines, Inc., Region 10 in partnership with CdeO City, of which is expected to draw attendance of some 500 pregnant and lactating mothers, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS).

“We thank the DA for always supporting our nutrition programs [through the provision of seeds]. This would serve as a big help to our beneficiaries, especially those in the urban areas.

We also hope that they [pregnant and lactating mothers, and BNS] will maximize such for their own food production activities, enabling them to have a steady supply of nutritious vegetables while generating some savings,” the nutritionist/dietician remarked.

Further, said agri inputs is funded under the continuing funds for FY 2023 of the agency’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP).# (JLO)