Agri dept in NorMin turns over the procured transport delivery truck courtesy from the Kadiwa financial grant assistance.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure the availability and accessibility of food commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) handed over the certificate of turnover of the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance worth P2 million to the local government unit (LGU) of Sumilao, Bukidnon, at the agency compound.

Said amount forms part of the total project cost amounting to P2.5-M, wherein DA-10 granted 80% of the portion and LGU Sumilao counterparted 20% amounting to P500K.

On January 27, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, led the turnover of the procured cargo transport delivery truck from the overall project amount to LGU Sumilao municipal agriculturist Melchora G. Dumayao.

DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the program will make it possible for farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and organizations to take part in the convenient and sufficient food supply distribution system and assure the stability of food and other basic commodities in the region with high consumer demand.

In return, Dumayao expressed her gratitude to DA that enabled them to purchase said truck that is for priority use for high value crop farmers in the municipality, to assist them in the reduction of their transportation costs.

DA-10 seeks to empower local farmers by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain in order to address the continuing demand for agri-fishery products, including in helping stabilize the price of red onions in the market. #(MPMTablon)

Agri 10 turns over the P3-M farm tractor to PAMC in barangay Imbatug to aid farmers in their land prep activities.

BAUNGON, BUKIDNON – Eyed to boost the land preparation activities of corn and cassava farmers for better crop yield and favorable soil environment, the agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) under the management of OIC-RED Carlene C. Collado, turned over recently P3 million worth of corn-funded farm tractor to Phil. Agro Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PAMC) in barangay Imbatug, this town.

Held at a PAMC residential area in Mandu, the certificate of turnover was handed over by DA-10 through Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria to the Local Government of Bukidnon headed by Mayor Rogelio D. Jaraula and Municipal Agriculturist Janel C. Redondo, and to PAMC manager Deodato V. Galaura, Jr., in the presence of local and coop officials and members, and other regional and municipal agri staff.

According to PAMC manager Galaura, the conferred farm machinery is for priority use of the 56-membered coop engaged in the rotational farming of corn and cassava, covering 94 hectares and a potential area of around 30 hectares.

Likewise, the coop official added that it would enable them to thoroughly conduct their land preparation activities, paving way for more efficiency in the ensuing stages of their corn and cassava production.

“Kung tsada ang pag land prep, mosunod na dayon ang uban operation [in farming]. Dako kaayo kini nga katabang sa pag-abot ani na makinarya,” the manager remarked.

Meanwhile, being at the helm of Baungon town, Mayor Jaraula conveyed his gratitude to the agency, as this is a meaningful addition to PAMC.

“Dako ako pasalamat sa DA-10 sa pagtugyan niini nga tractor kay dako kini’g makatabang satong mga mag-uuma. Since grant mani, wala may nagasto, savings na ninyo ni. Puhon, ipakita ninyo sa DA kung pila ang inyong nakita.” the local chief executive said, posing a challenge to the coop.

Similarly hoping for the advancement of the farmers’ group, Baungon MA Redondo reminded the beneficiaries to set aside funds for the repair and maintenance of the farm machinery at the same time accord special rates for the coop members in its utilization.

For the agency’s part, Corn coordinator Lacanaria extended his congratulations to PAMC for being one of the unit recipients, factoring in the limited funds and overwhelming requests for the availment of a farm tractor.

“As a government investment, hopefully, the value of the project mabalik sa atoang cooperative by using it and engaging it into a business enterprise [through servicing],” he pointed out.

Further, he pinned his hope that the coop will sustain itself in growing corn and cassava, and serve as a ‘big brother’ for other nearby farmers’ cooperatives, associations in their locality, and other adjacent towns, becoming a staunch partner of DA in its bid towards food security and sustainability. # (JLO)

Agri 10 revisits MOA of cassava clusters with Daesang Philippines, Corp.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducted a cassava clusters’ consultative meeting together with partner government agencies and stakeholders to revisit the agreement with Daesang Philippines, Corp., in this city.

On January 19, 2023, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Investments, Department of Agrarian Reform, Cooperative Development Authority, cassava clusters, and a consolidator from the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental convened to tackle the rescheduled commercial operations of Daesang at PHIVIDECH Industrial Estate in Sta. Ana, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Discussions centered on the status of the Memorandum of Agreement, updated buying price of fresh cassava tubers, production cost and supply plan, schedule of delivery, update on the need for additional cassava suppliers and other matters.

As agreed, the body will set another meeting as way forward to ensure the targeted cassava volume of delivery to Daesang and to uplift cassava clusters.

Also present in the activity is DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operation Carlota S. Madriaga, OIC-Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Larry E. Paraluman, Cassava focal person Mischelle F. Egama and other DA-10 staff. #(RDMElloren)

MisOcc rice farmers receive financial aid at P5K each thru DA-10’s RFFA program.

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, launched the third distribution of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) Program for CY 2022, in the province of Misamis Occidental from January 18-20, 2023.

Under the RFFA program, P5,000.00 cash assistance is allotted to each rice farmer, with one qualifying for being enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and tilling or owning a cumulative rice area not exceeding two hectares.

According to Dir. Collado, the RFFA continues to be among the priority interventions of DA with P45 million budget for Misamis Occidental’s 9,070 eligible rice farmers alone.

The director added that the RFFA aims to cushion the impact of the Rice Tarrification Law among rice farmers through financial aid, with the vision of increased quality and productivity for farmers, and affordable rice for consumers.

During the outset of the RFFA program III on January 18 at Bay Araneta, Oroquieta City, MisOcc Governor Henry S. Oaminal, together with other local officials and its Provincial Agriculture Office, municipal agriculture offices of benefitting city and towns, and DA-10’s Rice Program led by its Supervising Agriculturist and Focal Person Chona H. Nacalaban, spearheaded the distribution.

On the first day of the distribution, 3,007 qualified recipients from Oroquieta City, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, Aloran, and Jimenez received cash assistance.

Subsequently, 2,874 eligible farmers from Plaridel, Calamba, Baliangao, Sapang Dalaga, and Concepcion were catered at the Calamba Multi-Purpose Building on January 19.

Furthermore, 3,189 qualified farmers from Sinacaban, Tudela, Clarin, Bonifacio, Tangub and Ozamiz cities also received financial aid at the Tudela Municipal Civic Gymnasium on January 20, 2023.

The third rollout of the RFFA in MisOcc was realized In partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC).# (RLTolentino)

One of the highlights of the ABEMIS annual targets encoding and data collection for FY 2023 is the handing over of the 2022 Terabyte Award from BAFE to DA-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) recently conducted the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS) annual targets encoding and data collection for 2023, this city.

DA-10 RAED Programs and Projects Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, reported the annual targets of interventions lodged under DA’s banner programs such as agricultural machinery and infrastructures for the current year, to be inputted in the ABEMIS, a web-based information system that serves as an inventory for agricultural and fisheries machineries and infrastructure projects of DA.

Importantly, it also helps to accelerate the monitoring of project implementation from the proposal, validation, procurement, construction, and completion to operation.

Further highlighted in the event is the conferring of the Assistant Division Chief for the Programs and Projects Management Division of the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, Engr. Arnel L. Tenorio, of the ABEMIS 2022 Terabyte Award to DA-10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and to RAED chief Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, with the agency, was declared as a winner last December 22, 2022.

The Terabyte Award is a nationwide search for the most outstanding ABEMIS implementing unit with Northern Mindanao topping the competition, garnering a score of 99.41%.

The criteria for judging were based on the completeness and accuracy of the data and documentation requirements (60%), completeness of the inventory (20%), and completeness of targets (2022) encoded in the ABEMIS (20%).

Recognizing the feat, RED Collado commended the effort of the RAED team and hoped the division to maintain the momentum, and fast-track the recording of DA’s various interventions for all banner programs into the ABEMIS.

Also attending the event were provincial operations chiefs of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, respectively, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo, and representatives from the different banner programs of the agency. #(MPMTablon)

The agri department in NorMin grants P5,000 each rice farmer in Bukidnon as cash aid thru its RFFA program.

Kibawe, Bukidnon – A total of 3,472 rice farmers in the towns of Kibawe, Dangcagan, Kadingilan, Don Carlos and Pangantucan in Bukidnon received P5,000 in cash aid on January 11-13, as the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) continue rolling out the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) in said localities, for the 2022-2023 dry cropping season.

The RFFA is given to smallholder rice farmers tilling rice areas not exceeding two hectares and registered to the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA), the DA’s official registry of farmers, fisherfolk and farm laborers.

According to DA-10 OIC- Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, the agency is fast-tracking the RFFA distribution to the rice farmers in Northern Mindanao in the aftermath of shear line to agricultural areas in the region late last year, and the continuing weather disturbance early in 2023.

“We intend to roll out the RFFA in the fastest way we can. We assure our RFFA beneficiaries they will receive their aid as soon as we have ironed out our coordination with the LGUs” Collado said.

For the 2022-2023 Dry Cropping Season the DA-10 has allocated Php237-M funds for the RFFA, to benefit 46,161 eligible rice farmers across the region.

The RFFA is funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhance Fund (RCEF) by virtue of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) and is intended to compensate for the increasing farm inputs prices and fluctuating palay buying price.

With the RFFA, it is hoped that the rice farmers will be able to sustain their farm production and augment their earnings.#

Agri 10 undertakes a final inspection for the renovation of the CPC project in barangay Malagana.

The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA- RFO 10) through OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted the final inspection for the renovation of the Corn Processing Center (CPC) in Malagana, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, on January 7, 2023.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga along with the agency’s engineers led by Regional Agricultural and Engineering Division chief Deliza T. Camaro along with General Foreman Jessie Arazo from the Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Office (MEEDO) met with Dong IL Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. Project Manager Son Sea Chul to assess the current status of the project.

Said project was turned over in 2013 as part of the Multi-Industry Cluster program funded by the Korean government (Php37 million) in collaboration with DA and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Misamis Oriental (Php26 million).

In November last year, the CPC underwent repair and expansion to sustain its operation and functionality, and is expected to be completed by February this year.

With the facility, the corn farmers in Claveria and its neighboring municipalities are eyed to produce quality corn, and reduce postharvest losses, overall helping them to earn more income. # (AMBManto)

Agri 10 exec Collado and Plaridel town mayor Handumon of MisOcc convene to further develop the agri-fishery sector under his locality.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through its OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, welcomed Plaridel Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon of Misamis Occidental on January 24, 2023, to tackle agricultural development plans for farmers and fisherfolk of the said town.

In his courtesy visit, the local chief executive bared the agri development plans for MisOcc and under his locality and correspondingly sought various interventions from the agri department.

Mayor Handumon eyes enlisting DA’s support to redefine focus for their farmers and fisherfolk, which is to be aligned to the province’s intent on implementing their so-called Rice Farmers’ Full Financial Assistance (RFFFA) that aims to provide farmers with financial aid for their production and marketing to attain higher productivity and income.

In return, Dir. Collado recognizes the official’s plan for agri-fishery development with emphasis on strengthening DA and the LGU’s partnership, especially on implementing projects revolving around economic enterprises.

With the recent rollout of the Rice Farmers’ Financial Assistance in Mis Occ, Mayor Handumon also expressed his gratitude to DA-10 for the provision of cash aid to 2,051 qualified rice farmers from Plaridel.#(RLTolentino)

DA-10 bares its programs and projects for farmers during the 1^st Regional Farmers Summit of the Kilusang Pagbabago – Lead Organization, Inc. in barangay Macasandig.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With a common goal to strengthen and harmonize farmers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), joined the 1st Regional Farmers Summit of the Kilusang Pagbabago – Lead Organization, Inc. (KP-LOI) on January 19, 2023, held in barangay Macasandig, this city.

Carrying the theme “Panaghiusa sa mga mag-uuma ang bag-ong hagit sa kaugmaon para sa mapadayunong kalambuan”, different farmer cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and other local farmers across Northern Mindanao convened to increase awareness on the programs and projects offered by DA and its other line agencies.

According to OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, providing farmers with accessible agricultural assistance will help and empower farming communities by increasing agricultural productivity and profitability, resulting in a more sustainable and resilient agri-sector.

DA-10 SAAD Focal Person, Lana May S. Racines presented the agencies programs and services, particularly technical support services; agri-fishery machinery, equipment, facilities and infrastructure; regulatory services; and locally funded program and foreign-assisted projects.

Meanwhile, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform Chair Cynthia A. Villar assured the farmers that the Senate is always open to listen to their needs and suggestions regarding the appropriate legislative measures for the development of the agricultural industry in the region.

Also presenting their respective programs are the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), First Community Cooperative (FICCO) and DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.# (RDMElloren)

Agri 10 conducts a field visit and spearheads the harvest soybean in Maramag town.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the helm of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conducted a field visit and spearheaded the harvest of soybean in barangay Base Camp, Maramag, Bukidnon.

The said harvest follows the agency’s distribution of more than 300 kilos of Manchurian soybean seeds to some 15 farmer-beneficiaries in the locality.

Said effort aims to increase their income and contribute to the growth of the poultry and livestock sector thru the local production of quality feed ingredients, pursuant to DA Memorandum Order No. 15, Series of 2021.

According to DA-10 Soybean focal person Samuel C. Natindim, Jr., the agency reinforces its assistance to soybean as provided in the cited issuance, to ensure good crop harvest, especially since its inclusion under the National Corn Program extending the continuous provision of farm technologies, training, marketing and other forms of postharvest assistance to interested farmers.

For assured market and stable prices of soybean harvest, Natindim underscored that the agency pushes for the clustering of soybean farmers and consolidation of their yield for bulk delivery and sale.

To date, DA-10 has linked some soybean farmers to buyers based in Cagayan de Oro City, and Valencia City, Bukidnon.

During the field visit and harvest, farmer-beneficiary Joven Maniego thanked DA for the support extended for growing soybean.

“Giawhag gyud nako ang ubang mga mag-uuma sa pagtanum og soybean kay gawas sa taas nga demand niini, maka-ani naka sulod sa tulo ngadto upat ka bulan human sa pagtanum,” he said.(I really encourage other farmers to plant soybean because aside from its high demand, farmers can expect harvest within three to four months of planting.)

In 2023, DA-10 will expand its assistance for soybean farmers consistent with the agency’s mandate to support the production of agricultural crops for food, animal feeds, and industrial uses.# (GDAndres)