The 33^rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week emphasizes the vital role of agri biosystems engineers amid the COVID-19 crisis.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Further improvement in farming through mechanization and digitalization in all stages of the value chain of all commodities increases farmers’ income while ensuring food security of the country,” said ASEAN Engr. Teodoro C. Eleda, the president of the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (PSABE), Inc.

During the 33rd Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week, Region 10 hosted the 18th International Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference; the 71st PSABE Annual National Convention; and the 7th ASEAN Regional Convention from April 25-27, here in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Participated in by over 1,600 registered and aspiring ABEs worldwide (face-to-face and online), the celebration bares the theme: “Transforming ABE technologies for adequate and sustainable advancement in this crisis situation.”

Engr. Eleda shared, that Agricultural Biosystems Engineers (ABEs) have a special focus on the mechanization and digital transformation of the country’s agricultural sector.

The event highlighted the recognition and awarding of the region’s honorary members, who were also the speakers of the plenary discussion with Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Director Dr. Junel B. Soriano and Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, the technical adviser of the Department of Agriculture Strategic Communications.

Dr. Estigoy expressed, that said honorary membership is the highest recognition given to individuals that support and have a vital impact on PSABE.

The session discussed on various government projects and programs that involve agricultural biosystems engineering and its contribution to the community as it faces different challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic, African Swine Fever, Bird flu, and the sudden price increase of farm inputs, climate change, among others.

Biosystems engineering emphasizes the application of engineering principles to plants, animals, humans, and microorganisms.

It includes the development of tools and techniques to enhance the interaction and well-being of humans, and animals and the preservation and enhancement of natural resources and the environment.

In his video message, Department of Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar remarked, that ABE has the potential in enhancing the sustainability of the country’s agriculture in all aspects from the development and correct use of innovative machineries in working within the mechanism of life itself.

Moreover, DA NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, one of the region’s awarded honorary PSABE members mentioned, that DA-10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Department (RAED) has a total of 62 manpower deployed in its five provinces.

He added that the role of RAED is vital and indispensable as it serves the department’s banner programs from planning to project implementation, such as small-scale water impounding projects, farm-to-market roads, warehouses, cold storage, and various farm machineries and equipment, and others.

“DA-10 RAED team serves as overseer of our various projects in the different provinces to maximize its services to the local farmers as they needed,” Collado stated.

Also awarded with the PSABE honorary membership is MisOr. Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, who was represented by the Provincial Agriculturist Jose Apollo Pacamalan; University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (UST) President Dr.Ambrosio B. Cultura II; Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Executive Director Dr.Liza G. Battad represented by Engr.Francia M. Macalintal; and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (AMMDA) Foundation, Inc. President Joel R. Panagsagan.

As the celebration was launched, the PSABE earlier conducted a tree planting and clean-up drive in Opol, Misamis Oriental, and motorcade around the city.# (EMB)

Agri 10 spearheads a training highlighting the importance of food safety and regulations for the FCAs regionwide.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To heighten the importance of food safety and regulations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently conducted training for farmer cooperatives, associations (FCAs), in this city.

Around 41 participants coming from the FCAs regionwide who are beneficiaries of the Enhanced Kadiwa financial grant attended said activity to gain knowledge on proper food handling practices and to become more aware of foods carrying higher risks for foodborne illnesses.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the training is anchored on Republic Act No. 10611 or otherwise known as the “Food Safety Act of 2013”, which defines food as any substance or product whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed that is intended for human consumption.

At the onset of the pandemic, FCAs have revitalized the Kadiwa, a market system selling major agricultural commodities and other food products at reasonable prices to aid Filipino households.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said, that the capabuild will further equip them with basic food safety knowledge and importantly, work with food in a safe and hygienic manner.

She added that eventually, their agri produce and its by-products can compete both locally and globally in the market.

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Senior Science Research Specialist, John Gregory V. Aquino discussed the Philippine National Standards on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP).

On the other hand, BAFS Science Research Specialist Jan Vincent Tecson tackled on food safety issues in agriculture and fishery products, while BAFS Science Research Specialist Melissa L. Astillero talked on the microbiological hazards in fruits and vegetables.#(MPMTablon)

In a coordination meeting, DA-10 urges the AEWs regionwide to have their farmers and fishers be registered into the FFEDIS for availment of agri programs, projects and interventions from the government.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a coordination meeting on Sagip Saka updates and development, together with the agricultural extension workers (AEWs) of the provincial, city and municipal agriculture offices of Misamis Oriental.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Republic Act 11321, otherwise known as the Sagip Saka Act, aims to increase farmers’ and fisherfolk’s incomes by connecting them directly to institutional buyers, including government agencies and corporations.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Sagip Saka and the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) were tackled, with the latter creating a database of registered/accredited farmers and fisherfolk.

To date, 204 farmers’ cooperative, associations (FCAs) applicants have completed the registration as a prerequisite for the availment of assistance under said law.

RED Collado detailed, that it overall aims to boost farmers’ and fishers’ production and productivity through extending agri extension services, skills development, and provision of production inputs, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure support.

Recognizing the windows of assistance that are geared towards food sovereignty and poverty alleviation, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga urged the participants to help relay the information to more FCAs for registration to the system.

Two modes of registration are being employed, either via the FFEDIS Registration Desk at DA-10 AMAD or thru web-based registration using the link: https://www.ffedis.da.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Agribusiness Industry Support Section Chief Jenny D. Alcobilla presented the price monitoring activities showing sources of price information from farmgate, wholesale, and retail, and the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program that directly links farmers and fisherfolk to the consuming public, making available food commodities at reasonable prices.

AMAD is also facilitating loan programs which include the Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) for young farmers aged 18-30 years old; AgriNegosyo (Anyo) for small farmers and fisherfolk; and loans assistance under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). # (RDMElloren)

R-10 sends its delegation to the 14^th national rice techno forum in Bula, Camarines Sur that brings together rice industry key players and stakeholders across the country for strategies development and policy recommendations towards achieving a more competitive Philippine rice industry.

BULA, CAMARINES SUR – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) sent its delegation from the Rice Program and other Operating Units along with select LGU representatives from Northern Mindanao to participate in the 14th National Rice Technology Forum (NRTF) in Bula, Camarines Sur on April 19-20, 2022.

With the theme “Increase Production through Hybrid Rice Technology” the NRTF aims to promote high-yielding and cost-reducing rice production technologies among the country’s rice farmers through the use of high quality seeds and the adoption of digital agriculture.

The NRTF brought together the rice industry key players and stakeholders across the country for strategies development and policy recommendations towards achieving a more competitive Philippine Rice Industry.

In his video message, DA Secretary William D. Dar underscored the DA’s farm consolidation approach in staging the NRTF as a way of empowering the rice industry stakeholders by allowing them to benefit from the agricultural value chain and achieve economies of scale.

“Through the (farm consolidation) approach the communities and cooperatives become more viable in producing specific products and generate bigger revenues and income. The (DA) interventions were also efficiently cascaded to the members” he said.

The secretary called for the continuous conduct of technology forum and other extension modalities to intensify efforts in establishing more agri clusters and campaign for the adoption of hybrid rice technology and best practices among the local farmers.

In his part, DA Undersecretary for Operations and Mechanization, Engr. Ariel Cayanan championed the farmers’ heroic role amid the pandemic, highlighting the possibility to mitigate the impact of the crisis through agriculture.

With a total of 519 rice farmer members, the San Agustin San Ramon Agrarian Reform Farmers Cooperative (SARFC) of San Ramon, Bula, Camarines Sur was chosen as the technology forum’s partner-cooperator.

The cooperative devoted a total of 104 hectares of rice areas planted with different varieties of hybrid and inbred certified rice seeds as demo farms.

The forum showcased breakthrough production technologies of various hybrid and inbred rice seeds suited for both wet and dry cropping seasons using modern farm machineries and drones.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado said the agency’s participation in the NRTF is instrumental in keeping its staff abreast with the latest and advanced rice production technologies to improve the region’s rice productivity and sufficiency.

Twelve participating seed companies and service providers took part in the NRTF: Bayer Crop Science Inc., Syngenta, SL Agritech Corp., Corteva Agriscience, Long Ping Tropical Rice Development Inc., Bioseed Research Phillipines, Inc., Seedworks Phils Inc., Leads Agricultural Product Corporation, Aljay Agri-Industrial Solutions, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRICE) , Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology ( PhilSCAT), and New Hope Corporation.

The 14th NRTF was hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office V of the Bicol Region in collaboration with the Rice Productivity Advocacy Incorporated (Rice Board), DA-Agricultural Training Institute – RTC 5, DA-Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority – Regional Field Office 5, and the Local Government Unit of Bula, Camarines Sur.

The DA-RFO 10 delegates to the National Rice Technology Forum was headed by the agency’s Rice Program Focal Person, Ms. Chona H. Nacalaban.#(ATalib)

Agri NorMin deliberates the applications of CSOs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10), held a meeting for the deliberation of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) applications.

Fourteen submitted applications from the different farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), non-government organizations, and CSOs were considered and reviewed, following the new guidelines for DA CSO accreditation.

Said undertaking is pursuant to DA Administrative Order (AO) No.13, Series of 2020; and AO No.19, Series of 2020 (amendment to AO No.13, S.2020), which is the creation of the Regional Technical Committee (RTC) and Secretariat with their modified functions.

DA NorMin Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, who is also the vice-chair of the said committee emphasized, that CSO is one of the department’s development partners in the implementation of agri-fishery projects.

“DA sets the implementing guidelines for CSO accreditation, intended to receive public funds and interventions as the program beneficiary. As development actors, projects can be managed well with their social preparation,” RTD Bajarla shared.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, DA CSO accreditation aims to encourage people’s participation in agricultural development based on the principle of good governance.

He added that it also guarantees compliance with existing pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

DA NorMin CSO Accreditation is composed of RTC members, headed by RED Collado, and the secretariat.

Also participating in the meeting were the new members of the accreditation RTC: the Regional Management Committee and the department’s program coordinators.# (EMBentulan)

Corn seed varieties of Bayer are among the top-performing seed varieties in DA-spearheaded corn derby implemented in its different research centers.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) named the top-performing seed varieties in terms of yield for the capped conduct in a series of Corn Derby last March of this year, implemented in its different research stations.

The corn seed variety entries of Bayer Crop Science, Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc., Evo Gene Seeds, Corp., Corteva Agriscience, and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. bested other participating seed companies.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the derby aimed to feature promising corn varieties and their corresponding planting protocols, to allow farmers in having more options on which corn seed varieties to plant to reap higher yield and income.

For the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon with an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, DK8131S, a seed variety being produced by Bayer ranked first yielding 12.36 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) followed by DK8899S and DK8719S (Bayer); 3660YHR (Corteva) and NK306BGT (Syngenta).

Meanwhile, for the Research Center for Upland Development in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon with an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, DK8131S of Bayer topped with a yield of 9.73 mt/ha followed by DK8899S (Bayer); NK306BGT (Syngenta); DK8719S (Bayer) and EVO 9815 (Evo Gene).

On the other hand, NK306BGT of Syngenta led in yield of 14.82 mt/ha followed by DK8899S (Bayer); EVO 709, EVO 9989 (Evo Gene) and BC108 (Bioseed) at the Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in Brgy. Lanise, Claveria, Bukidnon with 966.4 meters above sea level.

Said generated results of the corn derby will be one of the bases of the agency’s procurement of seeds, while also factoring in farmers’ and local government units’ preferences.

Also gracing the ceremony are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD., and DA-10 Research Division chief Cora A. Dumayaca. #(MPTablon)

DA-10 caps off its HVC week celebration thru a series of activities, which includes Mushroom Production and Processing, and Hydroponics demos, Seed and Seedling Identification contest, and turnover of agri interventions to coffee and cacao farmers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As the culmination of the High-Value Crops (HVC) Week celebration, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) conducted a series of activities on April 11-12, 2022, here at the agency compound.

Bearing this year’s theme, “Farm Diversification with HVC: Key to Recovery and Sustained Growth”, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the observance of the HVC week underscores the promotion of the HVC program and its potential impact on food security and stability.

Among the festivity highlights are the Mushroom Production and Processing, and Hydroponics demonstrations, Seed and Seedling Identification contest, and turnover of agricultural interventions to coffee and cacao farmers.

Presenter, young farmer-entrepreneur and co-owner of Mushroom City (MC), Numeriano O. Quemado III of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon shared, “We are grateful to DA for trusting and giving us the opportunity to showcase our product. We hope to spark interest in agripreneurship and encourage my fellow young farmers to engage in sustainable and urban farming.”

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga conveyed, that farming innovations will harness the potential and talents of the smallholder farmers in improving agricultural productivity and competitiveness.

On the other hand, seeds and seedling identification contests were participated by the agency’s Field Operations, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Administrative and Finance, Regional Agricultural Engineering, Integrated Laboratories, Agribusiness, and Marketing Assistance, Regulatory and Research divisions, and the Office of the Regional Director.

Cacao and coffee farmers also showcased their locally produced coffee and chocolate drinks and featured the preparation process of tablea.

Overall, the HVC week lauded the contribution of HVC farmers in boosting food production, while at the same time, promoting the production, processing, consumption, and marketing of high-value crops. # (RDMElloren)

DA-10 thru RED Collado inks the MOA in support to the Yakap Bayan program, where the agency commits to extend agri interventions and skills training to improve the well-being and social functioning of RPWUDs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO- In further adopting the whole-of-nation and community approach, the Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development 10 (DSWD-10) on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 in support to Yakap Bayan program.

DSWD 10 Yakap Bayan Program Focal Person Jesryl A. Cale said the program assists the Recovering Persons Who Used Drugs (RPWUDs) to be socially functioning and maintain a lifestyle change from rehabilitation or treatment with a catalytic role of families, communities, and local government units service providers.

Cale added, the program aims to converge readily available resources from national government agencies, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups to provide former drug users with psychosocial, livelihood, and spiritual services, among others.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado explained that the agency will support through the provision of agricultural interventions and skills training to improve the well-being and social functioning of RPWUDs.

The endeavor is in collaboration with the different national government agencies: BJMP, CHED, DAR, DepEd, DENR, DILG, DOH, DTI, DOLE, and TESDA.

Present during the MOA signing were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Field Operations Division chief, Dr. Luz I. Guzman and Special Concerns focal person Rhoda Bernido.#(JCAnito)

Agri NorMin thru its F2C2 program convenes FCAs, with the aim to strengthen their capacities to augment their production, income and access to resources.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently spearheaded a coordination meeting with the clustered farmers cooperatives, associations (FCAs) from the different provinces of the Region, this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the F2C2 program will help FCAs to give priority to community production and processing projects in order to promote better coordinated and organized production and value chain systems towards increased productivity as against the small stand-alone traditional farming and fishing practices.

Drawing from the agency head’s statement, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman added, that clustering and consolidation is one of the key strategies of DA to achieve its OneDA reform agenda to level up the region and eventually, the country’s agriculture by integrating government interventions to organized farmer and fisher groups.

Aimed at increasing production levels, incomes and better access to resources, technologies and markets, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria bared the strategies for adoption among clusters, which includes: mainstreaming of F2C2 in all of DA banner programs; enhance local governments, private sector, and state universities and colleges partnership; identification of existing clusters for strengthening; creation of new clusters; provision of appropriate assistance to existing and new clusters; and establishment and management of a cluster database.

On the other hand, attending attached bureau and agencies such as, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, also presented their programs and projects for availment of FCAs, in a bid to contribute in improving their capacities and raising farmers and fishers’ productivity, profitability and global competitiveness thru strengthened access and use of appropriate production and postproduction support.

Attending the blended meeting are the banner program coordinators and their report officers as well as representatives from the provincial operations centers of DA-RFO 10, its attached bureau and agencies, officials and representatives from the different FCAs. # (RDMElloren)

PhilMech, DA’s attached agency, spearheads a Training on the Operation and Maintenance of Rice Machinery attended by 24 FCA operators.

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado graced the five-day Training Course on the Operation and Maintenance of Rice Machinery by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization in Lala, Lanao del Norte.

Attended by 24 farmer-cooperative and association (FCA) operators, the activity was spearheaded by DA’s attached agency through its Technology Management and Training and Facility Management and Field Operations divisions.

Of which, participants have learned land and seedling preparation, and mechanical transplanting with the use of different farm machineries through lectures and hands-on. # (AMBManto)