DA-NorMin extends cash subsidy to rice farmers in Mahinog, Camiguin.

MAHINOG, CAMIGUIN – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) conducted its second leg of distribution of cash subsidy under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program in Mahinog, Camiguin on Tuesday, December 7.

In partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Universal Storefront Services, Corp., a total of 208 qualified rice farmers with landholdings of two hectares and below, in Mahinog town received P5k each through DA’s RFFA program totaling P1.04 million.

Mahinog town bears the biggest rice farm areas in said province with 281 hectares.

Nestor T. Tabamo, president of the Mahinog Irrigation Service Association said, the cash assistance will help him and his fellow farmers, especially for the payment of their hired workers and rentals of their farm machinery.

Camiguin Provincial Operations Center Chief of DA-10, Chona H. Nacalaban led the distribution of the said cash subsidy and the Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC) that will serve as their identification card and a cash card for farmers’ access to possible future government interventions.

The DA-10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado has scheduled the distribution of RCEF-RFFA to the farmers in other provinces of the region.# (EMBentulan)

DA-10 recognizes its retirees for their commendable contributions in developing the agri sector in R-10 while serving the agency.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) honored 12 retired employees this year on Thursday, December 9, in Cugman, this City.

With the theme Brighter 2022, this year’s Salamat, Mabuhay: Tribute to the Retirees is symbolic of the agency’s resilience amid the pandemic, continuing its legacy in serving the region’s farmers, as the senior employees passed down the torch to the agency’s youngblood.

The event was staged to chronicle the retirees’ commendable contributions to the agency’s effort in scaling up the region’s agriculture sector, all throughout their stint in serving the DA.

The occasion also recognizes the retirees’ exemplary leadership and dedication to their chosen profession, being public servants.

In his message DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, commended the retirees’ admirable devotion to their service to the agency.

“Our dear retirees, your contributions are nothing less than a mark of passion, perseverance, and dedication. We are proud to have worked with you, and we value your hard work, extensive knowledge, and invaluable experience,” he said.

He added that they have nurtured and developed their subordinates who in turn, will be the next prime movers of the Department of Agriculture.

“You may have retired from this office, but you will never get retired from our hearts” he remarked.

Meanwhile, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Director Carlota S. Madriaga credited the agency’s success in recent years to the retirees.

“As we give tribute to our retirees today, I am calling everyone to look up to them, and emulate their good practices as we continually strive to attain excellence in our service,” Director Madriaga said.

She also expressed her good wishes to the retirees and reminded them to be cautious of their health especially given the state of the pandemic.

For her part, Director Carmelita Bajarla, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations said the retirees’ hard work has rewarded them well, as they endured the difficulties encountered in the early years of their career.

She accounted that the retirees’ legacy will live on in the agency.

“You have worked hard to improve the public service of the DA. The legacy of your work is embedded in the DA-10 now, through the younger generations in the office,” she concluded.

This year’s retirees are:

1. Lester A. Jaducana, Chief Administrative Officer
2. Chedy V. Ansale, Chief Agriculturist
3. Juliet B. Araos, Chief Agriculturist
4. Pedro U. Bergado, Jr., Chief Engineer
5. Ma. Teresa B. Roa, Chief Agriculturist
6. Nilda B. Salas, Agricultural Center Chief II
7. Gloria L. Betonio, Senior Science Research Specialist
8. Victoria A. Cabornay, Science Research Specialist II
9. Jane S. Zamora, Farm Superintendent II
10. Edna R. Uba, Agriculturist I
11. Romeo P. Busangilan, Administrative Assistant III
12. Salvacion P. Villamil, Farm Worker II

The retirees received Plaque of Appreciation, souvenir gold chain and pendant, token and gifts from the DA-RFO 10 and the Department of Agriculture Employees Association (DAEA).#(ATalib)

DA-PRDP 10 hands over enterprises to SAMMPC of Kolambugan and BARCOCO of Tubod, in the province of Lanao del Norte to aid cooperatives in increasing their monthly production volume, annual income, farmers’ income, and in aiding them to generate additional jobs in their respective areas. On behalf of BARCOCO, Chairman Isidro L. Carin and Vice-Chairman Elmer Peñeranda receive the certificates of turnover and acceptance from DA-PRDP 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through the Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) handed over two enterprises under the Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity (IREAP) on December 7, 2021.

The Simbuco Aqua-Marine Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAMMPC) of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte received the Seaweed Semi-Processing and Marketing Enterprise worth P9.047 million.

Said enterprise includes two units solar dryer with warehouse, two units motorize fiberglass boats, one hauling/delivery truck, four units heavy-duty tarpaulin, and raw materials.

On the other hand, the Bualan Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (BARCOCO) of Tubod, Lanao del Norte received the Banana Cardava Trading and Banana Flour Processing and Marketing Enterprise worth P3.98 million.

The said enterprise comprised of one hauling/delivery truck, weighing scale, mechanical dryer, and raw materials.

Said interventions aim to help increase the monthly production volume, increase the annual income of the cooperatives, increase farmers’ income, and generate additional jobs in the area.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director and DA-PRDP 10 IREAP Component Head Carmelita T. Bajarla said, “With the standards set by the World Bank, it is not easy to have a PRDP subproject. With your shared sacrifices, these subprojects were realized. I hope that you take care of these and may your goals and objectives be achieved.”

She also emphasized that the interventions are in support of one of the key strategies under the ‘OneDA reform agenda’ towards transformed Philippine agriculture, which is the postharvest, processing, logistics, and marketing support, where local production schedules and supply chain activities are being harmonized.

Gracing the activity is Lanao del Norte Provincial Board Member Reinario B. Bihag, Provincial Agriculturist Letecia G. Ditucalan and staff, officers and members of SAMMPC and BARCOCO, and PRDP staff. # (CRSeraspe)

Around 45 select farmers, ATs and M/CAOs of MisOcc undergo a Postharvest Training on Sorghum Prod’n to aid them in developing sorghum as an alternative crop for food and feed use.

JIMENEZ, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – To capacitate the capabilities of the farmers by developing sorghum as an alternative crop for food and feed use, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a two-day Postharvest Training on Sorghum Production.

Around 45 select farmers, agriculture technicians, and municipal/city agriculturists of the said province were gathered to tackle postharvest technologies and sorghum production.

Topics focused on sorghum seeds for feeds formulation for poultry and livestock used, sorghum seeds as the medium for mushroom production, and industry updates.

DA-10 Sorghum focal person Jurrybe J. Lachica said, “Considering the increasing prices of commercial feeds, it’s time to formulate our own feeds by utilizing sorghum as an alternative ingredient.”

The participants also performed the formulation of poultry and livestock feeds by calculating and measuring raw ingredients and utilizing sorghum grains for mushroom production.

Sorghum is composed mostly of starch and, like corn, waxy and non-waxy varieties exist. Its waxy-starch varieties appear to support better animal performance.

The nutritive value of sorghum is usually taken at 90% to 100% compared with corn, a value of 96% being most common. It contains slightly more protein than corn.

Sansen O. Tejano, DA-10’s Provincial Operation Center Chief of Misamis Occidental cited that Misamis Occidental has a favorable area for sorghum production with its vast tract of land.# (RDMElloren)

DA-NorMin launches a hybrid-rice techno demo with the aim to contribute to rice sufficiency through the increased adoption of hybrid rice technology.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) launched the Province-led Hybrid Rice Technology Demonstration in a bid to achieve rice sufficiency through the increased adoption of hybrid rice technology.

In collaboration with 12 private seed companies, a farmers’ association, and the local government unit of Bukidnon, the activity will showcase 17 different seed varieties in barangay Violeta to be planted to a total of 37.5 hectares.

DA-10 Hybrid Rice Techno Demo Project leader Karl Roman O. Wong emphasized, that said techno demo will provide farmers a wider selection of available hybrid seeds suitable in their respective areas.

Farmers will be provided with input requirements as well as technical assistance following the package of technology recommended for a particular hybrid rice variety by the seed companies and rice institutions, Wong added.

“The featured high yielding varieties with their innovated technologies will ensure the agri-sector’s battlecry for an abundant harvest and projected high income of rice farmers towards a food secure country,” said Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Alson G. Quimba.

He added, that the adoption of hybrid technology and coping with technological advancements are keys to contributing to the rice sufficiency levels in the region and country.

Lalawan Abohan Sawaga Simaya Communal Irrigators Association, Inc. Chair Dario C. Adalim expressed, “Sa pamamagitan ng mga techno demo ay malalaman kung anong tamang variety ng palay ang angkop sa aming lugar. Isa itong magandang estratehiya upang mas tumaas pa ang aming kita lalo na ngayon sa gitna ng pandemya.”

Reportedly, Bukidnon is one of the top 15 provinces in terms of hybrid rice seed users across the country.

Also present during the activity were Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Remedios R. Sarzuelo and other DA rice program staff. # (JCAnito)

Sec. Dar leads the turnover of the P6.34-M trading post and other marketing logistics to the farmers in Magsaysay, MisOr to provide farmers a venue to command better prices for their quality and fresh produce by saving transport time and costs. (Photo credits: MPTablon)

MAGSAYSAY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar turned over the P6.34 million trading post and other marketing logistics to the officials and members of the Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MFARCC) and Magsaysay Peddlers Association on December 6 at barangay Kibungsod, this town.

Said facility, which comes with a package of interventions such as a transport truck and equipment, comprising of a digital weighing scale, retail weighing scale, pallet and plastic crates, is pooled from DA through its Enhanced Kadiwa (P5-M) funds and a counterpart (P1.345-M) from the local government unit (LGU) of Magsaysay headed by Mayor Rey B. Buhisan.

Strategically built close to CARAGA region and with an access to the vegetable-producing town of Claveria, MisOr, the trading post will provide farmers in the locality a venue to command better prices for their quality and fresh produce by saving transport time and costs.

At the same time, it aids wholesale buyers from the eastern part of Magsaysay to significantly cut their hauling expenses.

“Malaki po itong tulong sa mga magsasaka sa Magsaysay, lalung-lalo na para sa mga produkto na galing pa sa malayong kabundokan at mahirap ang paghanap ng mga buyer. Magsisilbi itong access point para pwede nilang maibenta ang kanilang produkto sa saktong halaga,” Ediver Joy V. Buyan, MFARCC chairman conveyed.

Further, the Project is seen to enable the community to have greater access to a healthier and sufficient supply of agricultural products at reasonable prices.

Under the ‘OneDA reform agenda’ to level up the country’s agriculture, Secretary Dar likewise reiterated the department’s key strategies for farmers to enjoy higher efficiencies in operations and improved profits.

“Pinapaigting po ng DA itong linkage between production and market para sa ganun, at the end of the day, mas mataas ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka,” the DA chief said, attributing reduced transport and distribution costs from production to consumption areas through the trading post.

“Para mas maganda pa yung serbisyo na maibibigay ng DA at LGU, dapat ang ating mga magsasaka ay maging miyembro po sila sa isang kooperatiba, ‘pag binuklod meron tayong ma-isuporta collectively doon sa mga farmers, cooperatives or associations (FCAs). Through collective action by farmers joining FCAs, ang serbisyo na galing sa gobyerno, national man o lokal, ay doon isi-sentro para mas maraming makinabang at masilbihan,” the agriculture secretary further emphasized.

Beside the cited Project, Sec. Dar also led the ceremonial turnover of cash subsidy to 151 qualified rice farmers at 5K each through DA’s Rice Farmers Financial Assistance in a bid to cushion the impact of the Rice Tariffication Law.

Gracing the turnover were DA Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Noel O. Reyes, Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga of DA-Regional Field Office 10, other department heads and staff of LGU Magsaysay and municipal residents. # (JLO)

Farmers and residents of Claveria, MisOr are seen to reap the benefits brought about by the interventions under the RDP-MIC.

GINGOOG CITY – As part of his regional visit, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William D. Dar accepted the P117.9 million worth of interventions under the Rural Development Project for the Multi-Industry Cluster (RDP-MIC) Zone in Claveria, Misamis Oriental on December 6, 2021.

Turning over the certificate to the DA chief is Mr. Sea Chul Son, project manager of the Dong IL Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. of the Korea Rural Community Corporation, which he later on handed over to the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental represented by Provincial Board Member Erik Khu, and was finally received by the benefitting municipality through Claveria Mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar.

Strategically placed in cassava, corn and high value crops producing barangays of Aposkahoy, Gumaod and Hinaplanan, RDP-MIC overall aims to uplift the lives of farmers through wider access of agricultural and social infrastructure, and production technologies, and enhanced social community capacity.

Said amount is just a portion of the P157.8-M agricultural interventions for MisOr province, which includes marketing support, unconditional cash transfer and African Swine Fever indemnification assistance.

Witnessing the ceremony are MisOr farmers, local government units, DA-10 management led by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and staff, Regional Management Committee – 10 members, media practitioners and other stakeholders. #

Cassava mechanical dryer in Brgy. Hinaplanan.

Warehouse and greenhouse in Brgy. Aposkahoy.

Water system in Brgy. Aposkahoy.

Small bridge in Brgy. Gumaod.

DA chiefs leads the ceremonial launching of the RCEF-RFFA program in R-10. Said cash subsidy is intended to assist rice farmers in light of RTL implementation.

MAGSAYSAY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar leads the ceremonial launching of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) program in Northern Mindanao on Monday, December 6.

Launched in Gingoog City and Magsaysay of Misamis Oriental, around 330 smallholder rice farmers covering the towns of Medina, Talisayan, Magsaysay and the city of Gingoog who are tilling farms with an area of two hectares and below will benefit the cash subsidy at P5K each with a total amount of P1.65 million.

Nestor Magdugo, chair of the Kasimpitan Santiago Farmers Irrigators Association of Gingoog City shared, “Malaki ang maitutulong ng programang RFFA ng DA-10. Kahit papaano, may maidagdag kaming pampuhonan sa land preparation ng aming palayan, lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya.”

DA NorMin through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado is set to complete its distribution to the 23,556 rice farmer-beneficiaries before the year ends covering its five provinces, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, and Lanao del Norte with a total amount of P117.78 million.

The farmer-beneficiaries were enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

The RFFA is intended to assist rice farmers who are most affected by the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law.

Sec. Dar was joined by Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Noel Reyes, DA-10 RED Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with local officials of Gingoog City and Magsaysay, MisOr.#(ATC)

DA-10 continues to support LGU Bacolod, LDN through the provision of OPV corn seeds for distribution to farmers.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) provided Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) corn seeds to the Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO) of Bacolod, Lanao del Norte.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed 50 bags OPV corn seeds to Bacolod agricultural extension worker Kim dela Cruz on Thursday, December 2, in barangay Lanise.

Dela Cruz noted that they target to distribute said provision to the upland corn-producing barangays of their town.

He added that to complement DA-10’s efforts in improving the plight of farmers, they will ensure that their crops will be covered by insurance with PCIC.

The registered PSB Cn 93-27 variety of OPV corn seeds were pooled from the seed production of DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) of said barangay.

Each bag at 20 kilos can be planted to one hectare of farmland. # (JLO)

In partnership with MisOr PAGRO, DA-10 conducts a Digital Info Mgt. Training-Workshop for the agricultural report officers from the 21 LGUs in MisOr to adopt AIMS, an electronic reporting method.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In partnership with the Misamis Oriental Provincial Agriculture Office, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 conducted a Digital Information Management Training-Workshop for the Agricultural Report Officers from 21 Local Government Units in Misamis Oriental, on Thursday, December 2, in Gusa, this city.

The training specifically aims to capacitate the Municipal Agriculture Offices of the different LGUs in Misamis Oriental to adopt electronic reporting method, using the Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS), an electronic database developed by the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO).

According to Engr. Evy Elago, head of PAGRO’s Agricultural Biosystem Engineering Division, the AIMS was developed in 2019 to improve the province’s agricultural information management.

The system eases updating of information that is crucial in the planning and decision-making, to further develop the province’s agriculture.

“Information is a resource. If we have enough information we know our priorities and we are better guided in developing our programs and services. We can project the support needed by the farmers in terms of production and marketing. Thus, it is imperative that we invest in information” Engr. Elago said.

Through the AIMS agricultural data such as kinds of crops planted in the province, the number of crops planted, farmers’ profile, farmers associations’ profile, and the market situation can be easily accessed from the AIMS.

The LGUs’ report officers were trained on data consolidation, data encoding, and uploading, and report generation to navigate the AIMS.

Restraining data management issues and concerns were also addressed during the training.

Chona Nacalaban, Chief of the DA-10 Provincial Operations Center in Misamis Oriental highly encouraged the LGUs to adopt electronic reporting, particularly in their submission of agricultural accomplishments and agri-related updates to the PAGRO and the DA-RFO 10.

“Electronic reporting is paperless, thus a more convenient reporting method for the LGUs and for the DA. Not to mention, it can also systematize the LGUs’ reporting system,” said Nacalaban.

She added that specific agricultural data needed in the provincial and the regional levels are readily accessible in the system, making it more convenient to make timely decisions to improve the programs and services of the DA.

Engr. Elago thanked the DA-RFO 10 for continuously supporting the PAGRO’s initiative in digitizing the province’s agricultural information database.

“We encountered resistance in the early stages, but we are happy that we have gone far with the support of the DA-RFO 10 particularly the Provincial Operations Center, who constantly backed our efforts in digitizing our information management in the PAGRO” Engr. Elago remarked.# (ATalib)