In support to the region’s swine recovery and repopulation program, DA thru USec Medrano and RED Collado in partnership with CMU headed by Dr. Derije, lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a Swine Multiplier Farm in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To aid Northern Mindanao’s swine recovery and repopulation program, the Department of Agriculture-10 (DA-10) in partnership with Central Mindanao University (CMU) break ground for the Swine Multiplier Farm in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon on March 9, 2022.

DA Undersecretary for Livestock William C. Medrano, PhD with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and CMU President Jesus Antonio G. Derije, DVM led the ceremony of the P1.4 million project comprising of 1 unit 10-sow level pig pen (with a ratio of 1 male to 10 female highbred cross hogs), 1 unit feed mixer and agri-supplies (feeds, drugs, and biologics).

The project is part of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) of the National Livestock Program which is intended to speed up the recovery of the hog sector and ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of pork and pork products.

“CMU being the recipient of the project will set aside 40 percent of the produced weanlings, and repay DA within three years to start 3 months after the completed delivery of the procured breeding stocks,” said Director Collado.

He added that its weanlings will then be used as sentinel animals or as breeding stocks for the additional Swine Multiplier projects in the region.

Sentinel pigs are the initial contingent of pigs sent to repopulate African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected areas.

DA-10 Livestock Program Focal Maria Lourdes M. Sypiecco explained, that the project can be implemented in areas where ASF is not present but adjacent to an infected zone or previously infected but the virus has not been detected for at least 90 days and has recovered from infected status.

Since December 2021, DA-10 has implemented two swine multiplier farm projects at DA-10’s Research Center for Upland Development in Dangcagan, Bukidnon, and Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology in Tangub City.#(EMBentulan)

On March 9, 2022, DA-CMU breaks ground for the establishment of the P1.1-M SPFS to help LIMUS farmers increase their cropping intensity, rice productivity, and farm income.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and CMU President Jesus Antonio G. Derije, DVM led the groundbreaking of the solar-powered fertigation system in Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

Funded by DA’s Rice Program, the P1.1 million irrigation system is powered by solar energy where fertilizer components are included in the irrigation water.

“It is one of the modern technologies that will redefine irrigation application as production efficiency is enhanced with the precise combination of fertilization and irrigation while reducing irrigation costs,” explains Director Collado.

It is composed of 20 solar modules powered by 60.1 kilowatts that can serve the eight-hectare rice field of the Land Tiller Inhabitants of Musuan (LIMUS) that will increase the cropping intensity, rice productivity, and farm income of the farmers.

He added that the technology is part of the continuing efforts of the agency in modernizing the agriculture sector.

The LIMUS, which is part of the BTL or the BUFFALO, TAMARAW, LIMUS is a DA-accredited farmer group, wherein its accreditation provides access to become partners of the department in its agriculture-related initiatives.

DA’s intervention also supports the whole-of-nation approach of Executive Order No. 70 which formed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).#

The Korean-funded and -innovated smart greenhouse in NMACLRC of DA-10 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, opens its doors for a showcase of strawberry production using said technology.  

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Korean-funded and -innovated smart greenhouse housed at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, one of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) research centers, had a showcase using said technology for strawberry production.

On March 9, 2022, the facility with grown San Andreas and Sweet Charlie varieties of strawberry, opened its doors following the completion on the construction of 11 units of smart greenhouse in November, last year, and on the installation of an automation system, early January, this year.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga lauded the support of the Korean government for the interventions and assistance accorded to the Philippine government, which are ultimately eyed to escalate the production of high value crops (strawberry, tomato, potato, and pepper) among Filipino farmers.

The P70.2 million collaborative project, dubbed as the ‘Establishment of Smart Greenhouse and Capacity Building in the Philippines’, is primarily funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs thru the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Services in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Philippines through DA-10 under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

With said Project, Dir. Collado noted that it will encourage more and would-be farmers to engage in the production of high-value commodities year-round, boost farm efficiencies and spur more economic activities, using the technology introduced by the Koreans.

“This project is also very much aligned with one of DA’s key strategies on technology and innovation, including digital agriculture, to level up the region and the country’s agri sector, as well,” the agency head also underscored.

Among other modern features of the said facility is the installation of irrigation and automation systems such as complex environment control, farming management, growth and development information, and management, which even allows one to monitor at their own comfort using smart phones.

For her part, DA-NorMin Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla remarked, that the Korean technology is timely and appropriate to keep abreast with the demands of time.

“Without agriculture, we cannot feed the increasing population of the country. A stronger partnership among agri stakeholders is thus imperative for us to motivate the LGUs and farmers to adopt developed technologies, that will eventually boost production and income. We hope that more, mainly farmers and LGUs, will replicate the showcased technology,” RTD Bajarla emphasized.

Among those admitted to the smart greenhouse were representatives from the local governments, the private sector, investors, and some officials and staff from national government agencies in Region 10 – DA, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic Development Authority, and Department of Tourism, including the agri department’s counterparts from Western Visayas, and the Special Projects Coordination and Management Assistance Division.

Tentatively, a ceremonial harvest is set for next month to further continue promoting the smart greenhouse technology. #

Agri NorMin spearheads a meeting to boost its measures against the entry of avian influenza in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen border protection against entry of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus in the region, the agriculture department of Region 10 (DA-10) spearheaded a meeting on March 2, 2022, in this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado called on a meeting in response to the reported H5N1 occurrence in Region III that affected the quail and duck farms in Mexico and Candaba, Pampanga and Baliuag, Bulacan on February 12, this year.

According to DA-10 Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling, DVM, Avian influenza is a notifiable highly contagious viral disease that affects several species of food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl, etc.), including pet and wild birds.

“Occasionally mammals, including humans, may contract avian influenza. That is why it is of utmost importance because the disease detected is a variant of H5N1, which can trigger illness in humans. However, in the Philippines there are no reported cases of humans showing symptoms of Avian Flu-like symptoms,” he added.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said the proactive action of the task force is to protect the poultry industry of the region which ranks third nationwide with a production of 36.05 thousand metric tons, liveweight on July to September of 2021 based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

“Measures are undertaken to prevent the entry of AI through effective surveillance and proper coordination with competent authorities of the DA’s attached agencies, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS),” she added.

For this, the task force intensifies the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 05, series of 2022 or the “Guidelines on the local movement of domestic and wild birds and poultry products and by-products during the AI surveillance period,” which includes strengthening ports of entry in the region (seaports and airports) manned by the DA-BAI quarantine officers.

Blood collection and Oro-pharyngeal swabs of birds particularly on the identified wetlands in the region will be pursued as part of the surveillance and monitoring activities.

As agreed, DA-10 is set to convene the private stakeholders on the information and update on AI.

Present in the meeting were Provincial and City Veterinary Offices of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City, respectively, with OneDA member agencies- BAI and NMIS.# (RDMElloren)

Agri NorMin together with the private seed companies stage a Cluster Hybrid Rice Derby and Farmers’ Field Day to showcase different hybrid rice varieties and technologies for farmers possible adoption.

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) in partnership with the private seed companies conducted the cluster hybrid rice derby and farmers’ field day in Pinatilan, Valencia City, Bukidnon on Friday, March 4, 2022.

Hosted in 13.5 hectares of rice in the said barangay, it showcases the different hybrid rice varieties and technologies of SL Agritech, Corp., Seed Works, RAMGO International, Corp., LongPing, Leads Agri, Green and Grow, Inc., Davao Oriental Seed Producers Cooperative, Corteva Agriscience, Bioseed, Bayer, and Amtrac.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Bukidnon is one of the country’s top 15 provinces as hybrid rice seed users.

Director Collado further explained that the generated results of the activity will provide the local rice farmers with suitable and profitable rice varieties and technologies.

Aside from that, he reiterated that its results would be the agency’s basis for rice seed procurement, which can benefit around 5,855 rice farmers in the said city alone.

Wenie D. Doronila, a rice farmer from barangay Batangan shared that he was convinced with the performance of hybrid rice seeds, “Sa aking karanasan, mas mataas talaga ang ani ng hybrid rice. Bukod dun, mas resistant ito sa mga peste at sakit.”

Doronila started planting after the National Rice Techno Forum (NRTF) was conducted in their locality in 2020.

He also urged his fellow farmers to try using hybrid seeds to compare the difference in terms of yield and quality.

Moreover, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga also remarked, that use of appropriate hybrid seeds is one of the factors contributing to the increased productivity and profitability in rice production.

The activity was in coordination with Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Valencia City Agriculture Office, and farmer associations.# (EMB)

Farmers attend a Corn Derby and Field Day in DA’s research stations in Malaybalay City and Dangcagan, Bukidnon to witness the performance of different hybrid corn varieties produced by private seed companies.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To help farmers attain optimum yield and higher income through the production of hybrid yellow corn, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in partnership with seven seed companies and local government units conducted a two-day corn derby and field day on different sites in Bukidnon.

Hybrid corn varieties were showcased in DA-10’s two research centers, the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City with an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, and Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon (600 meters above sea level), on March 3-4, 2022, respectively.

Featured varieties include DK 8899S, DK 8719S, and DK 8131S (Bayer Crop Science); P4124YHR and P3660YHR (Corteva-Pioneer); NK306BGT (Syngenta); J505 RRYG (Asian Hybrid Seed Tech, Inc.); Biocom High Fly, H101G and BC108 (Bioseed); EVO709 and EVO9989 (Evogene); and X5 (Green and Grow Tech Company).

“Our aim is to assess the productivity and profitability of these different hybrid corn varieties and component technologies appropriate for specific locations,” bared RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

He added that the best performing corn seed varieties will be the department’s basis in the procurement of corn seeds which will be distributed to the farmer-beneficiaries.

Evangeline S. Mayantao, a farmer of Malaybalay City shared, “Itong derby ay malaking tulong sa aming mga magsasaka sa pagbibigay sa amin ng dagdag kaalaman at impormasyon kung anong klase ng mais ang merong taas na ani at sa mga teknolohiya na ikakaunlad ng aming sakahan.”

Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga recognized the sustained effort of the seed companies in developing high yielding corn varieties appropriate in different agro-climatic conditions.

She added that DA’s strengthened partnership with the seed companies and other stakeholders in promoting these varieties and its component technologies is vital in attaining farmer’s productivity and profitability.

Among the provinces in the region, Bukidnon has the largest corn production in the region with more than 100 hectares.

The third leg of corn derby and field day is set on March 10 at the Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) in Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The activity was supported by the PLGU Bukidnon through its Provincial Agriculture Office, respective Municipal Agriculture Offices, DA-10’s Research Division and Provincial Operations Center for Bukidnon and farmer associations. #(RDMElloren)

The AFC in Region 10 presents its findings of their monitored projects under DA.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 2, 2022 – The Agriculture and Fishery Council (AFC) in Northern Mindanao presented its findings of the DA monitored projects in Region 10 to the management of the Department of Agriculture-10 during an exit conference on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

Region 10 Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chair, Engr. Reynaldo M. Cabanao commented its findings and recommendations of the various implemented projects covering some delivered and completed agricultural projects to the farmers since 2017.

Their findings include the utilization and operation of the small-water irrigation systems, machineries, and equipment; survival rate of the livestock and poultry animals and planting materials; and the efficiency of the farm inputs, among others.

As presented by the provincial and municipal AFCs, the farm-to-market roads (FMRs) have been beneficial to the farmers and other stakeholders, especially in transporting their produce; and lessens their post-harvest losses.

However, some projects also cited needs assessment, replacement, repair, and adjustment for further utilization according to the provincial and municipal AFCs.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized, that said undertaking is annually conducted by the AFCs.

Their inputs are crucial in ensuring full utilization of DA’s projects and services intended for the farmers and fisherfolk across the region.

“The AFCs willingly work with DA in monitoring our in each local government units to come up with efficient recommendations and longstanding solutions for the said completed projects.

With this, we can assure that DA has acted its mandate in increasing the farmer’s and fisherfolks income through the provision of useful and functional agri interventions,” RTD Madriaga remarked.

The output of the activity will be finalized this week for verification by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado reiterated that under the Guidelines on the AFC Monitoring and Tracking Activities Executive Order No. 116, PCAF is mandated in serving DA as an advisory body to ensure the success of its programs and projects; and to establish a private sector-led nationwide network of AFCs and sectoral committees.

RAFC Regional Executive Officer Cora A. Dumayaca shared that the council provides inputs in the formulation and implementation of agri-fishery policies, programs, and projects.

The exit conference was participated by DA-10 division heads, provincial operations center chiefs, and the banner program coordinators. # (EMBentulan)

DA-10 pours agri assistance amounting to P65.6-M to 22 LGUs of Bukidnon province.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Twenty-two local government units in the province of Bukidnon received various agri interventions amounting to P65.6 million from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao on Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga led the distribution of agri machinery and equipment, livestock and poultry animals, agri inputs (fertilizers, feeds, corn, vegetable, and seeds), and hauling trucks that will benefit the farmers in the said province.

In his message, Director Collado reminded the farmer-beneficiaries to protect and supervise the agri machinery and equipment to maximize its operation and utilization, benefiting more farmers in their locality.

He also commended the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army for the support provided to the department and its partnership in the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach of Executive Order No.70 which formed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Joannah P. Dumaguita of the MILALITTRA Farmer Agricultural Cooperative shared that DA’s assistance will help them preserve and maintain the quality of their coffee beans.

“We are grateful to DA for providing us the opportunity to boost and compete with consolidators that will allow us to have a voice in the market,” Dumaguita added.

Said farmer cooperative of Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon, is a beneficiary of the 1 unit hauling truck and coffee roasting machine under the HVCDP’s postharvest support services for coffee farmers.

RTD Madriaga also conveyed to the farmers to encourage those who are not yet enlisted in the DA’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) for them to avail the services of the agency.

The interventions were funded by the agency’s CY 2021 funds under its banner and special programs: Corn, Rice, High Value Crops Development, Organic Agriculture, Livestock, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), and Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4Ks).#(ATC/Photos by EMB,MPT,JCA)

OneDA signs a MOA with CMU and LGU Maramag for the P56-M RPS in said town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and the DA-National Food Authority (NFA) in partnership with DA-Regional Field Office 10, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the LGU of Maramag, Bukidnon, and the Central Mindanao University (CMU) on February 22, 2022, to mark the construction of a P56 million Rice Processing System 2 (RPS 2) in said town.

DA-PhilMech Director Baldwin G. Jallorina, Ph.D signed the MOA with DA-NFA-10 Regional Director Engr. John Robert Hermano, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, CMU President, Jesus Antonio G. Derije, Ph.D, DVM and Maramag Municipal Mayor, Atty. Jose Joel P. Doromal.

The said OneDA converged project is funded under the mechanization component of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), as provided under RA 11203 or the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL).

Being the funding agency, PhilMech appropriated the funds required for the RPS2 implementation, while the NFA provided the site needed for the project.

The LGU and CMU on the other hand shall jointly operate the RPS 2, with the technical assistance of the latter. Once completed the Rice Processing System will feature 1 unit of Multi-Stage Rice Mill and two units of Recirculating Dryer.

Director Collado said the facility is instrumental in improving the local rice farmers’ efficiency in terms of post-production and distribution system, reducing post-harvest losses, and maximizing the utilization of rice by-products.

“We thank PhilMech and NFA for the materialization of this project. We are hoping that more areas in Northern Mindanao will be provided with the RPS 2 in the future so we can further boost the region’s rice industry” he said.

He underscored this OneDA undertaking is material to the DA-10’s ultimate goal of attaining food security in the region. Construction and installation work for the RPS 2 shall commence this year and are expected to be fully operational before the end of 2023.#(ATalib)

DA-10 and other concerned stakeholders meet to address prices of pork and livestock products.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department of Northern Mindanao (DA-10) facilitated the conduct of the Bantay Presyo Taskforce meeting with various stakeholders and its concerned attached agencies, to help address the increasing prices of pork and livestock products in major public markets in the city.

According to the DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) chief, Larry E. Paraluman, the reduced supply of hogs due to the outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in some parts of the region, was contributory to the increased prices of said commodities in the local market.

“As part of the technical working group and as consumers alike, we should come up with a solution that would intensify our collective efforts in regulating and stabilizing food prices, particularly on pork products,” he added.

Reportedly, as of February 24, 2022, the prevailing prices of live hogs per kilogram in Misamis Oriental for commercial farms is at P202.00 while P170.00 for backyard farms.

As agreed, the team will conduct a follow-up meeting tentatively in mid-March to tackle recommendations from the different parties where DA will present the solutions to address the said concern.

Also present in the meeting were Cagayan de Oro City Local Price Coordinator Council chair, Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy with 1st district Councilor George S. Goking, Cogon Market Vendors Association, and other concerned agencies. # (RDMElloren)