DA USec Evangelista together with DA-10 headed by RED Collado leads the turnover of the P14-M reg’l. food terminal in Talakag, Buk’non.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Agriculture Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs Kristine Y. Evangelista led the turnover of the regional food terminal to the local government of Talakag, Bukidnon on Friday, October 8.

Located in the heart of the highland vegetable production area of barangay Miarayon, the P14 million facility will serve as a trading post for farmers, cooperatives, and associations for improved agricultural and fishery production.

“We saw the need to capacitate our farmers to be able to increase their income, to sell their produce to a better market and at a better price. We’ve analyzed the whole value chain and looked at what interventions can be done,” said USec Evangelista.

The food terminal provides direct participation of buyers and sellers and reduces the participation of middlemen.

It also offers fresh, affordable and quality farm produce, with state-of-the-art, with cold storage and refrigerated van.

It is seen to increase local employment and income opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships aside from offering stable food prices for institutional buyers, traders, and consumers.

The facility will complement the vegetable, fruits, and other high-value crops production areas of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, including other regions with the presence of a good road network.

In August of this year, DA-10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado provided the LGU with a refrigerated van amounting to P4.28 million as a component of the facility which could reduce postharvest losses in the delivery of the farmers’ produce.

Talakag Mayor Vergito O. Factura conveyed, “the government will always support us but we need to exert efforts and participate by continue planting high value crops especially with the presence of the food terminal.”

Talakag is one of the municipalities of the province of Bukidnon which is considered as a vegetable basket of Northern Mindanao.

It has been producing high value crops like carrots, white potato, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and coffee with a potential production area of more or less 11,000 hectares.

Assisting USec Evangelista were DA-10 RED Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Larry Paraluman, Provincial Agriculture Officer Engr. Alson Quimba and local officials.#(ATCabig)

DA-10 RED Collado urges the youth to engage in agri-related undertakings during a youth camp spearheaded by ATI-RTC X and 4-H club.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department here in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado urged the youth of today to engage in agriculture during the Rising of the Young Farmers Era: Regional Youth Camp earlier today, October 5, 2021.

Spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X in partnership with the region’s 4-H Club, said affair features the sharing of innovations and best practices of young successful agripreneurs.

Via the virtual platform, RED Collado emphasized that agriculture constitutes the foundation of food security and the youths are the future of food security.

He reinforced on encouraging the youth to undertake any agri-related endeavors by promoting the different farming technologies and other forms of assistance that the government can offer, especially thru the Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agribusiness (MAYA) and the Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) programs.

MAYA is an internship program that aims to develop youth into agripreneurs while KAYA provides financing assistance to the youth.

“The agriculture sector needs committed and passionate millennial to advocate for the development of the agriculture sector of the country,” he said.

“Careers in agriculture and forestry make up one of the largest industries and sources of long-term employment in the country, providing jobs for millions of Filipinos. These careers supply us with a multitude of food products and alternative energies, among other important resources for sustaining our country and contributing to the world’s economy,” the agri chief remarked.

Said three-day youth camp will highlight the role of the youth in agri development, kicking it off with a capability building of the 4-H club officers and members.

The 4-H club comprises the youth who are single, ages from 15 to 30 years old, where membership is open and voluntary underscoring the involvement in community-based projects in agriculture and homemaking. # (JCAnito)

TAGFA receives the P1-M financial aid under DA’s enhanced Kadiwa program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed at empowering more farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations (FCAs) to become more reliable food commodity suppliers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turned over a P1 million financial grant to the Tagpuangi Fisherfolks Association (TAGFA) of barangay Agusan, this city.

On October 8, DA Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs, Kristine Y. Evangelista together with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, handed over the check to TAGFA President, Lilian L. Antigua.

Funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program, the assistance is intended for the purchase of the association’s utility van worth P690,000, machineries, and equipment (P210,000), and P100,000 as working capital.

Antigua conveyed, that said aid is of great support in expanding their market and in generating additional income for the association.

CdeO City Councilor and Agriculture Committee Chair Jay Roa Pascual said, that the local government is thankful for the agency’s assistance in alleviating the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in boosting their farming and fishing activities, especially on the marketing aspect which results in more productive livelihoods and sustainable associations.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Agusan Chairman Andrew E. Melliza shared, “In the past, the association struggled on its logistics and transportation, but with this assistance [financial grant] provided by the department, it could help them improve the quality of their agri-fishery products, allowing them to earn more income.”

Apart from farmers and fisherfolk reaping gains, consumers are also eyed to have greater access to fresh and affordable agri-fishery products and other basic commodities through the enhanced Kadiwa program. # (JCAnito)

DA-NorMin extends aid to marginalized communities in Buk’non province

National government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao provided aid to the marginalized communities in Bukidnon province as part of the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) convergence program.

Among the assistance provided by DA is the provision of 250 packets of vegetable seeds and 100 kilograms of organic fertilizers amounting to P196,500 per benefiting site.

Recipients include the towns of Kibawe, Damulog, Kadingilan and Dangcagan, and Valencia City all in Bukidnon, which said agri support was conferred from October 4 to 7.# (JLO/Photos Supplied)

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Central Mindanao University (CMU) President Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for new agricultural undertakings on October 6, 2021. #

Five Agri NorMin employees take their oath of office on October 5 to their newly promoted positions.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- Five newly promoted employees of DA-10 took an oath before Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on October 5, at the agency’s conference room.

The following are the newly promoted:

1. Audy G. Maagad – Chief Agriculturist, Regulatory Division
2. Dr. Alanita A. Jumalon – Chief Agriculturist, Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD)
3. Patrick Ian F. Pedarse – Chief Administrative Officer, Administrative and Finance Division (AFD)
4. Evelyn B. Collado – Science Research Technician, Research Division
5. Hershe B. Jabines – Accountant II, AFD

Witnessing the ceremony were regional technical director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla and RTD and Chair of the Regional Human Resource Merit, Selection and Promotion Board-10 Carlota S. Madriaga. # (EMBentulan)

DA-NorMin conducts a virtual briefing for the effective and efficient PAFES implementation.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) under the OneDA reform agenda in Transforming Philippine Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted a virtual briefing on October 1, 2021.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga noted, that said activity aims to update members of the Regional Program Management and Technical Support Team (RPMTST) on its activities.

“We have already begun coordination activities with our pilot province, Bukidnon – being the food basket of Northern Mindanao and having the biggest production area for agriculture,” she reported.

Through PAFES, the province serves as an extension hub that synchronizes agricultural plans programs, including in orchestrating the activities of various stakeholders.

It further seeks to strengthen the collaboration of DA, local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders to ensure the delivery of agri-fishery programs and services amid the challenges of devolution.

Spearheaded by the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division of the agency and attended by representatives from its attached bureaus and agencies along with other stakeholders, the virtual meeting tackled updates and future plans concerning the series of workshops for local government units for its harmonious implementation. # (AMBManto)

On September 30, 2021 DA-NorMin installs the new RAFC chairperson in the person of Reynaldo M. Cabanao.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-RFO 10) installed Reynaldo M. Cabanao, as the new Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Council (RAFC) chairperson on September 30, 2021.

Cabanao is the current Asian Farmers Regional Network-Philippines president and incumbent board of director for Region 10 of the PhilMaize Federation, Inc. replacing Professor Edgardo D. Layug, who had a 13-year stint as a chairperson and is recently honored as AFC chairperson emeritus, the highest title conferred to an AFC chairperson serving ten years and more.

Cabanao was nominated and duly endorsed by the council members and will take the seat for a year.

“I have big shoes to fill in since Chair Emeritus Layug has made notable contributions for the agri-fishery sector during his chairmanship,” Cabanao expressed.

He further committed to building a more synergized council in collaboration with more stakeholders, continually encourage and toughen capacities thru a more involved and collective governance.

Further, he emphasized upholding a multi-stakeholder commitment, transparency, and accountability in policy and program development processes towards agricultural development.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the installation, providing insights of more mobilized and empowered partners under the OneDA reform agenda key strategies.

Dir. Collado added, that the Council will be a great help in realizing and implementing those guided strategies and build more developed and driven agriculture.

RAFC is a consulting body with strong, vibrant, and visible private sector partners responsible for the attainment of a conducive policy environment towards the globally competitive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries sector. # (JCAnito)

DA-10 RED Collado urges OFIS to invest in NorMin agriculture during the Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan Webinar.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) urged Overseas Filipino Investors (OFIs) to invest in Northern Mindanao specifically in the agriculture sector, as he graced the Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan (TNK) Webinar organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center based in Washington DC, USA, on Wednesday, September 29.

Director Collado puts forward convincing growth and promising potentials in the region’s agriculture sector as key investment consideration for OFIs based in the US.

Northern Mindanao is an ideal business location.

The region serves as gateway to various parts of Mindanao and offers key investment advantages such as vast agricultural lands, rich natural resources, expansive road networks, presence of power generation services, and huge potential for industrial development.

Director Collado said OFIs may consider investing in agriculture in the region in many ways. “For one they can utilize the land they have acquired (to start agribusiness) through their relatives. Second, they can lease their lands to big corporations who are engaging in the production of pineapple, papaya, banana and other crops or become a (contract) grower”.

“We can also link them to the LGUs who are in need of property to establish their technology demonstration farms. They can enter into profit-sharing scheme with the said LGUs” he furthered.

Having solidified the region’s reputation as one of the top producers of pineapple, coconut oil, high value crops, fiber-based products, hogs, cattle, goat, carabao and duck, the DA-10 is now priming Coffee and Adlai production as the next-big-things in the region, and potential investment opportunities for overseas Filipinos.

Adlai, a healthy staple substitute to rice and corn now being commercially produced in the region after extensively introduced by the DA-10 to local farmers.

While Robusta and Arabica coffee varieties are massively grown in Bukidnon, predominantly by Indigenous Peoples farmers.

To date, the agency has been providing various production, processing and marketing assistance to spur investment in Adlai and coffee production in the region.

“DA is implementing the OneDA approach wherein DA and its attached agencies, bureaus and corporations are involved in the implementation of projects, so that we can better help the farmers and would-be investors with their needs” Director Collado said.

He also underscored the OneDA family’s initiatives in providing its stakeholders agri-fishery interventions such as farm inputs, infrastructure, machineries and equipment, credit facilities and technical assistance to up the region’s agri-fishery sector.

The TNK Webinar is an avenue to help OFIs to explore investment opportunities back home, particularly in regions favorable for agriculture-related ventures, seizing the silver lining in the midst of the lingering pandemic, and contribute to the country’s economic recovery.# (ATalib)

DA-10 RED Collado administers the oathtaking of the agency’s newly promoted employees.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the oathtaking of Eleazar A. Jumalon as Agricultural Technician I and Helen M. Roldan as Agriculturist II on October 1, 2021.

Eleazar A. Jumalon, a former contract of service worker, will take his position at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) under DA-10’s Research Division.

Promoted Agriculturist II, Helen M. Roldan will remain in the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.

This is the ninth batch of promoted employees for this year of the agency.

Also witnessing the ceremony are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and at the same time, the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board Chair Carlota S. Madriaga, OIC-Administrative and Finance Division Chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse along with the division chiefs and other staff.# (JCAnito)