Besto of MILFACO, Talakag, Bukidnon is one among the awardees in the 2022 PCQC, held in Davao City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Coffee farmers from Bukidnon garnered spots in the recently concluded 2022 Philippine Coffee Quality Competition (PCQC), held in Davao City on March 18, 2022.

For the Arabica category, Arnold Pina of Bayanihan Millenium Multipurpose Cooperative (BMMPC) from Pangantucan took third place, while Belinda Besto of MILALITTRA Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (MILFACO) from Talakag placed fourth.

Also from BMMPC, Renaldo Mansulay, secured ninth place.

Still hailing from BMMPC, Eljean V. Dagohoy, Lorna Libante, and Pablo Helomoc, grabbed the fourth, fifth, and eighth places, respectively in the Robusta category.

Meanwhile, a special award for Washed Processed coffee was conferred to Besto under the Arabica category.

BMMPC and MILFACO are both recipients of the Coffee Community-Based Development Enterprise under DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program which seeks to provide production and postharvest services for both coffee and cacao farmers.

PCQC is an annual green coffee competition that recognizes outstanding Filipino coffee farmers, where growers are encouraged to improve the quality of their products to boost their competitiveness both in the domestic and global markets.

The competition is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, together with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA), Barista and Coffee Academy of Asia and the Philippine Coffee Guild.# (CRSeraspe)

USTP Claveria receives agri-assistance thru DA-10’s BP2 program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – 10 hands over agri inputs to the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria Campus as part of the Balik Probinsya Bagong Pagasa (BP2) program.

The agri inputs amounting to P1.50 million which includes 912 heads of chicken and 149 bags of feeds, is under the Program’s poultry intervention.

The institution will also receive 44 heads of cattle worth P2.2 million, and P15,744 worth of drugs and biologics.

Other interventions, particularly for Misamis Oriental, include the establishment of cattle and goat multiplier farms, vegetable farm, and mushroom production in the amount of P9.16 million.

Of which, these interventions fall under the Food Security and Agricultural Productivity, one of the four key areas of the Program’s framework.

These will then be transferred to the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Misamis Oriental to their identified and verified beneficiaries once the interventions are completed.

In which, these are provided in the Memorandum of Agreement signed by DA-10, USTP Claveria, and PLGU Misamis Oriental on November 5, 2021.

As explained by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado that an inter-agency effort, BP2 is socio-economic program developed by the Duterte administration that promotes inclusive and balanced urban and rural development.

He added that the BP2 program seeks to address Metro Manila’s congested areas by encouraging people to return to their home provinces with assured incentives and livelihood, among others.

Returnees who wish to avail of the interventions under the BP2 program may get their forms in their barangay Balik Probinsya Center or apply online at www.en.balikprobinsya.ph. Application is free-of-charge. # (CRSeraspe)

DA-NorMin and PAA undergo assessment for the contenders of the best communal garden regionwide.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently concluded its ocular inspection and validation for the contenders, representing every province of Northern Mindanao vying for the best communal garden title.

Launched in November 2021, the search for the best communal garden is one of the joint projects of the department in coordination with the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA), Inc. – Region 10 (Pineapple Chapter), and the provincial and municipal local governments (LGUs), to ensure food security and sufficiency at the community levels.

Joining the contest are the Tangaro Young Farmers of Catarman, Camiguin; Brgy. Calaocalao in Don Carlos, Bukidnon; Sinai Rural Improvement Club Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental; Brgy. Libertad in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte; and Pan-ay Vegetable Farmers in Clarin, Misamis Occidental.

Of which, the agri department through its provincial operations centers and the concerned LGUs, selected existing community-based vegetable gardens to take part in the competition.

With entries measuring 500 square meters each, the evaluating team rated the gardens according to their physical arrangement, diversity of crops planted, adoption of technology innovations, production yield, and utilization of garden space.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the initiative is in support to the Plant, Plant, Plant Program (Agri 4Ps) of DA that targets to scale up the country’s food and nutrition security level amid the pandemic, while empowering localities on food production as a source of livelihood.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga, who is also the PAA-10 president bared, that the agri department has provided the participating groups with inputs such as vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers, biopesticides, including the distribution of knapsack sprayer units.

“The communal garden will provide additional income to the communities, and at the same time promote organic and natural farming technology systems. With this [communal garden contest], other small groups from the different sectors will be more encouraged to plant their own vegetables using indigenous materials in a minimal space,” RTD Madriaga remarked.

Meanwhile, Agriculturist II Eva T. Pacturan, who also serves as the regional nutrition focal person, further said, that the initiative particularly addresses malnutrition since fresh, naturally grown, or organic vegetables are made available and affordable in the communities.

Winners for the said competition are set to receive a cash prize and a plaque of recognition, to be announced at around the second quarter of this year. # (EMB.)

The GAD program of DA-10 spearheads a capabuild to women senior citizens who are engaging in agribusiness, to know the available windows of assistance for them.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of the Women’s Month celebration this March, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Gender and Development Program conducted a capability building to women senior citizens on March 22, 2022, in this city.

Around 20 participants who are both in service and retirees of DA-10 who are engaging in agribusiness were updated on the AgriPinay Loan Program of the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) focusing on financial assistance for women in agriculture.

DA-ACPC Provincial Management Officer for Misamis Oriental Kristine Cyvil Gregorio explained the program is part of the agency’s Gender and Development integration efforts which seeks to improve women’s access to rural credit and ensure their inclusion in the agri-fishery value chain in order to better rehabilitate their livelihood during the pandemic.

She added that the program aims to intensify gender equality in agribusiness and promote the empowerment of women in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, shared that women in agriculture are ageless, provided with their experiences and wisdom gained throughout the years.

She added that the DA ensures the senior citizens especially women have access to the agri-fishery programs, valuing their contributions and partnership as active members of the community.

Meanwhile, Ronnie Tabucanon, Financial Analyst IV of DA-ACPC guided them on how to make a simple business plan.

Aside from the credit opportunities, Mylin V. Tayapad, an organic farmer and owner of Mylin Herbal, turmeric product shares her story to inspire and empower them in investing through organic farming.

“Women should strategize on how they can help their family. I didn’t expect what started as a personal health medicine would expand and become my business which opened more opportunities, ” shared Ms. Tayapad.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the capacity building is an integral approach of the agency to gender equality.#(MPTablon)

Agri NorMin turns over the P20-M monolithic dome-type cold storage and packing facility to the city government of CdeO for proper storage of agri inputs of high-value crops.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao turns over the first monolithic dome-type cold storage and packing facility in the region to the City of Cagayan de Oro on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed the certificate of turnover of the said project worth P20 million to Mayor Oscar S. Moreno, as a component of DA’s proper storage of agricultural inputs of high-value crops.

Dir. Collado said the facility will aid the local farmers and market vendors in the city in maximizing the quality of their produce.

“It will extend the shelf life of highly-perishable commodities and reduce post-harvest losses of the farmers and ensures to establish a resilient food system, especially during this pandemic,” the director added.

Located in barangay Kauswagan, the whole facility has a land area of 1,300 square meters which is the counterpart of the city with a capacity of 300 metric tons of vegetables in crates and palettes.

The dome will serve as the region’s storage and packing facility with two loading docks, a pre-cooling room, areas for washing and rinsing, sorting, palletizing, and an office.

Mayor Moreno said that the monolithic dome facility is meant to ensure that high-value crops of farmers seek to serve two ends: the supply and demand sides.

“On the part of the supply side, the farmers can hope that their products will remain fresh in spite of the passing of time. While on the demand side, the consuming public can be assured that the product would remain fresh and nutritious,” added Mayor Moreno.

The facility is one of a kind in the region through advanced engineering or construction technology, adopting a climate-smart technology, a state-of-the-art storage facility which was funded under DA’s CY 2020 – Agriculture Stimulus Package Bayanihan II of DA High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).

Supporting the event were DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, HVCDP Program Coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan, city local officials, and Agriculture Productivity Operations Office (APOO).#(ATC)

DA-10 RED Collado receives a recognition from PCOO Sec. and CORDS X Andanar for his support in the implementation of RTF-ELCAC in Region 10.

Department of Agriculture – 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado receives a Plaque of Recognition from Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the Chairperson of the Cabinet Officer for Development and Security in Northern Mindanao on March 24, 2022.

Dir. Collado was recognized for his unwavering support in the implementation of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Northern Mindanao.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga joined RED Collado during the Appreciation Lunch with RTF-ELCAC members in Cagayan de Oro City.# (ATC)

Dr. Guzman will now head the operations division of Agri NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Outgoing OIC-Field Operations Division (FOD) Chief, Audy G. Maagad hands over the key of responsibility to Dr. Luz I. Guzman, who is now the Development Management Officer V and will now head the concerned division in a ceremony on March 21, 2022.

Meanwhile, Maagad will return to his original post as the chief agriculturist of the agency’s Regulatory Division.

The operations division of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) primarily plans, directs and coordinates the implementation of agricultural programs on grains, crops, livestock, and poultry, as well as provide technical assistance cutting across all commodities.

Witnessing the turnover were DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Carmelita T. Bajarla, in the presence of banner program and focal persons of said division, and other division heads of the department. #(JLO)

DA-10 leads a virtual organization meeting to bare the programs and activities of the FSRAs for the current year to stabilize the food safety regulatory system.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To stabilize the food safety regulatory system throughout Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Regulatory Division led a Virtual Organizational Meeting of the Regional Food Safety Committee at the agency compound on March 18.

The meeting tackled the responsibilities and activities of the Food Safety Regulatory Agencies (FSRA) for 2022 relative to the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10611, otherwise known as the Food Safety Act of 2013.

The Corn, Livestock, High Value Crops Development, and other programs presented their respective activities for the current year and on how they can contribute to food safety regionwide.

Under said Act, the following agencies comprise the FSRA: Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for food derived from animals, including eggs and honey production; National Dairy Authority (NDA) for milk production and postharvest handling; and National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) for meats.

Also, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for fresh fish and other seafood, including those grown by aquaculture; Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for plant foods; Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) for pesticides and fertilizers used in plant and animal food production; Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for fresh coconut; and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) for sugarcane production and marketing.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Carmelita T. Bajarla, urged the team to ensure food safety and nutrition while ensuring that food items should always be affordable and available for farmers and consumers.

She added that the final output will be the consolidated regional committee activity plan, baring the proposed activities prior to the endorsement by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and for approval of the agriculture secretary.#(MPTablon)

The cluster hybrid rice techno demo of DA-10 in Kalilangan town showcases the performance of 15 hybrid rice varieties to increase farmers’ adoption. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a nine-hectare rice farm in barangay Pamotolon of Kalilangan, Bukidnon lies the cluster hybrid rice technology demonstration of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) showcasing the performance of the 15 hybrid rice varieties.

It was concluded in a harvest festival on Monday, March 21 in partnership with private seed companies and a seed producer cooperative, five farmer cooperators, and the local government unit of the said town.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the use of hybrid rice is an approach to improve the yield to more than 6-8 metric tons per hectare given that appropriate farming technologies and good agricultural practices are applied.

Kalilangan town has around 913 registered rice farmers but with less than 10 percent adopters of hybrid rice.

Kalilangan Mayor Omaradji C. Pizarro challenged his farmer constituents to embrace new technologies, “Let us change our old farming practices and let us follow the scientific studies. We must believe in agriculture modernization.”

Mayor Pizarro urged the farmers to observe the showcased technology for them to identify the appropriate hybrid seed varieties suitable in their locality.

“The techno demonstration provides opportunities to the farmers to see the advantages of hybrid rice and the adoption of new technologies that can help improve the farmers’ livelihood and make the rice industry sustainable and sufficient,” said DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, in her message.

The participating 10 private seed companies include Bayer Crops Science, Inc., Ramgo International, Corp., Davao Oriental Seed Producers Cooperative, SL AGRITECH, Corp., Long Ping Tropical Rice Development, Inc., Corteva Agri Science, Seed Works Phils., Inc., Leads Agricultural Products, Corp., Green and Grow Technologies, Aktiv Multi Trading Co. Phils., Inc., and Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc.

One of the farmer cooperators, Shirley A. Tabilla shared, “Matagal na po akong inbred rice seed user pero na amaze talaga ako sa mataas na kita ng hybrid seeds, kaya pumayag ako na maging farmer cooperator sa techno demo. Sana mag hybrid na lahat ang mga kasamahan ko sa aming lugar.”

In Northern Mindanao, three cluster hybrid rice techno demo were conducted in the towns of Maramag and Kalilangan and Valencia City.# (ATC)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with the National Women’s Month celebration this March, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a Training on Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG), Project Implementation and Management and Monitoring and Evaluation (PIMME) on March 16-17, 2022, this city.

“Said training is held to understand the concepts of GAD, gender issues and gender analyses to properly develop programs and projects with the concept of gender mainstreaming,” shared DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, in her message.

Resource speaker, Gender and Development Specialist/Inclusive Education Specialist of the Asian Development Bank, Ernesto B. Villegas discussed on how gender equality gaps should be properly addressed during programs and projects preparation, monitoring and implementation.

Participating in the two-day activity are report officers from the different banner programs and operating units of the agency. # (AMBManto)