Representatives of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standard (BAFS) paid a courtesy visit to DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulations and Integrated Laboratories, Audy G. Maagad on September 26, 2022, on behalf of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

The BAFS personnel is on a one-week field data gathering assignment in Northern Mindanao relative to the development of an Explanatory Manual for the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Code on Good Animal Husbandry Practice (GAHP) for Beef Cattle and Buffalo.

The team will be visiting identified cattle and buffalo farm owners/operators in the region on September 26-30, 2022, with the assistance of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA-10 in terms of coordination and data gathering support. # (ATalib)

Some 617 LDN corn farmers and fishers get their fuel discount cards loaded at P3K each to purchase gasoline or diesel to help them continue operating their farm machineries and motorized boats.

Tubod, Lanao del Norte – The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Corn program and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) distributed P1.851-million worth of fuel discount cards under the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk (FDFF) program to 617 qualified corn farmers and fishers of Lanao del Norte province to cushion the effect of escalating fuel prices in ensuring food security.

DA-Northern Mindanao (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes assured the farmers and fishers of the department’s production support, especially in terms of providing fuel subsidy to enable them to continue operating their farm machineries used in corn production from land preparation to postharvest activities as well as motorized boats for fishing operations.

Recipients consisted of 241 corn farmers and 376 fishers from the towns of Baroy, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Salvador, Kauswagan, Tubod, and Lala.

Each discount card was loaded with Php3,000.00, where farmers and fishers can purchase diesel or gasoline from any Department of Energy (DOE)-accredited gasoline stations.

FDFF beneficiaries must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), and included in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS) or registered under FishR, and own agricultural and fishery machinery with proof of ownership.

Previously, only corn farmers and fishers are eligible to receive the fuel discount vouchers under DA’s FDFF, but as per DA Memorandum Circular 32, DA now is increasing its recipients’ portfolio.

“The coverage of the fuel discount shall be expanded to include all agricultural commodities. The program will therefore cover all farm machinery with attached proof of ownership that is being used for crop production as well as motorized banca for fishing operations,” BFAR Provincial Fishery Officer for Lanao del Norte Noel M. Saldajeno explained.

Meolina G. Yorong, one of the recipients from the municipality of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, expressed that despite challenges on fuel price hikes and soaring prices of fertilizers, DA still found a way to assist and empower them as producers of food.

The FDFF Program created through Special Provision No. 20 of the General Appropriations Act of 2022, is implemented in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines, Universal Storefront Services, Corp., DOE, and local government units, among others. # (JCAnito)

Agri 10thru AMAD  convenes Buk’non veggie farmers for strengthened market linkages.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) recently spearheaded a consultation meeting for the planning and strategizing of market linkages for Bukidnon high value crop producers.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, DA-10 AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman cited that said province is a major contributor to the regional economy, being major producers of food and other agricultural products in Northern Mindanao (NorMin).

Accordingly, the activity set opened discussion on the prospects of value-adding through manufacturing or processing of vegetable and fruit products at the same time creating market linkages for Bukidnon high value crop farmers, Paraluman furthered.

Accounting their experience, NorMin Vegetable Producers Association (NorMin Veggies) president Marcelino Remotigue bared the importance of marketing cluster and the corresponding strategies they have employed, as working as a group of producers enable them in meeting market demand, cutting costs, and maximizing farmers’ income.

NorminVeggies is composed of individual producers, development foundations, corporate farms, farmers’ associations, farmers’ cooperatives, input and service providers, and institutional partners. Its aim is for a competitive vegetable industry growing high-valued commodities for both domestic and international markets.

Out from the meeting, a harvesting calendar was also drafted providing information on planting, sowing and harvesting periods of crops in specific agro-ecological zones to help farmer-producers in acting on informed decisions on crops production and proper market linkage by the agency.

Further, an interfacing session transpired with the different participating Bukidnon veggie farmers raising their issues and concerns revolving marketing. # (JCAnito)

Around 54 local farmers and corporate farm representatives undergo capabuild on GAP and Certification Protocols.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To gain entry in a more competitive market and to ensure safety and quality of farm produce, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regulatory Division, conducted a training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Certification Protocols, here in this city.

Around 54 local farmers and corporate farm representatives from the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Orriental convened for the two-day capabuild as part of their new or renewal application for PhilGAP certification.

According to DA-10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Audy G. Maagad, the activity aims to enhance farmer’s capability in adopting to GAP that addresses environmental, economic, and social responsibilities for on-farm processes that result in safe and quality food and non-food agricultural products.

Meanwhile, Agriculturist II Christine Jane L. Quiamco cited the advantages of having GAP certification among farmers, which includes the sustainability of farmers’ practice and wider market opportunities, among others.

Covered in the training course are discussions on Food Safety, GAP, Traceability System and Safe and Judicious Use of Fertilizer and Pesticides. #(RDMElloren)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed at fostering transparency and good governance, the Audit Team R10-34 of the Commission on Audit (COA) 10 conducted an Entrance Audit Conference with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) on September 13, 2022, in this city.

Milo D. delos Reyes, regional executive director of DA RFO-10, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of complying the rules and regulations set by COA.

“We have to submit for review all our financial transactions and operations for 2022, for us to know what to improve in handling various accounts and operations within the covered period and to ensure that finances were spent judiciously in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations as well.”

He further stated that, “we have to build a strong linkage and coordination with COA in order to work harmoniously for better delivery of services and interventions to our clients.”

Josie J. Rodriguez, State Auditor V of COA-10 lauded the agri department for their cooperation and participation to the conference that signals the start of the COA review covering the current year.

She explained that such yearly activity will serve as an avenue for the DA-10 management and the audit team to provide information and updates on the procedural requirements to ensure prudent use of government funds in line with the existing auditing laws.

Meanwhile, Nashiba L. Macaraob, State Auditor II and Acting Audit Team Leader, tackled on the basis for the conduct of audit that includes the Forms of Communicating the Terms of Audit Engagement and the Audit Focus Area.

Also discussed in the audit engagement are the monitoring of submissions; initial submission and audit queries, validation of implementation of prior year’s audit recommendation and specific audit instructions.

Macaraob further expressed her gratitude for DA’s responsiveness during her two-year stint as the state auditor of the agency, while further reminding the submissions of some inventories, plans and budget and other necessary documents for audit.

The conference parted with the commitment of DA management to follow and implement the recommendations of the audit team.

In attendance during the conference are the management committee members of DA- RFO 10. # (MGBS)

Agri dept 10 eyes to continue pouring agri assistance to 58IB PA to develop their food production areas while helping the FRs as well.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, September 12 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes met with the 58th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) of Claveria, Misamis Oriental to discuss agricultural-related programs and projects that they can possibly avail from the agency.

RED delos Reyes assured the visiting team headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, Infantry (General Staff Core) of the 58IB, PA, that the department will continue to help the group and its identified Former Rebel (FR) communities thru the provision of agricultural livelihood assistance.

This, he added, will help them develop their existing areas for food production and a viable source of income, while uplifting the lives of FRs as well.

Among the agri assistance previously granted to the 58IB are planting materials, vegetable seeds and poultry inputs through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program of DA.

Such interventions are also in support of Executive Order No. 70, instituting the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

Also present in the meeting is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, OIC-RTD for Research and Regulations Audy G. Maagad and DA-SAAD focal person Lana Mae S. Racines. # (RDMElloren)

Licensed ABEs from R-10 undergo a practical examination during their refresher course training on testing and evaluation of agricultural and fisheries machinery.

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – In efforts to further develop the technical capability of agricultural and biosystems engineers (ABEs), the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (DA-BAFE) has conducted a five-day refresher course training on testing and evaluation of agricultural and fisheries machinery in Northern Mindanao.

Held at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, licensed ABEs from said region who would be part of the pool of Certified Test Engineers authorized to perform testing and evaluation on agricultural and fisheries machinery have completed the Refresher Course on Testing and Evaluation of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery.

Of whom, seventeen are ABEs from the local government units (LGUs) in Region 10 (provincial LGUs of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, city LGUs of Valencia Malaybalay Gingoog, and Cagayan de Oro, and municipal LGU of Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental); and staff from DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED).

Meanwhile, serving as resource speakers were from UPLB-Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) and BAFE-SRED (Standards Regulation and Enforcement Division).

In his remarks, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot stressed the crucial role of ABEs in modernizing the agriculture sector and the importance of multi-year planning for farm mechanization and infrastructure projects, thus the necessity of enhancing capability of the participating ABEs to implement changes in improving the agricultural sector.

BAFE-SRED Chief Engr. Janice Vargas tackled RA 10601, otherwise AFMech Law, to ensure the quality and safety of locally manufactured or imported agri-fisheries machinery, and further elaborating the need for certifying test engineers, accrediting of testing centers, and certifying agricultural and fisheries machinery.

An overview of DA Department Circular (DC) No. 4 (Accreditation Guidelines for Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery Testing Center) and DC No. 05 series of 2017 as amended by DC No. 10 series of 2018 (National Guidelines on Testing and Evaluation of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery) were also presented.

Meanwhile, Engr. Romulo Eusebio of UPLB-AMTEC pointed out the significance of testing and evaluation in relation to agri-fisheries machinery standards. “Standards should be based on the consolidated results of science, technology and experience, and must be aimed at the promotion of optimum community benefits,” he said.

Still from UPLB-AMTEC, Engr. Elthon Turtor and Engr. Rhey Marc Albalos lectured on the Philippine National Standards/Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PNS/PAES); operations, specifications and methods of test for corn mill, corn sheller, and disc harrow attached to four-wheel tractor; and preparation and interpretation of test reports.

On top of the lectures, the trainees underwent actual performance testing of machinery focusing on corn mill, corn sheller, and disc harrow attached to four-wheel tractor at the same time were grouped for the preparation of test reports, the conduct of an open forum and presentation of test reports.

Further, an examination was administered for the certification of test engineers, wherein final grades will constitute 60% from their written exam and 40% from their practical examination.

Capping the activity, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga expressed her appreciation to the resource speakers from DA-BAFE and UPLB-AMTEC for their knowledge and expertise to enhance the capability of the mustered participants to become Certified Test Engineers, while underscoring the importance of acceptance testing to ensure the quality and durability of any farm machinery procured by the government.# (Marshall Louie Asis)

The municipality of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon receives P1.5-M financial grant assistance under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa to boost the LGU’s food terminal activities.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure food commodities are made available and accessible in high consumer demand areas, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over P1.5-million in check to the local government unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon at the agency compound.

The grant is under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance program intended for the purchase of a hauling truck to intensify the LGU’s food terminal activities in selling different agricultural products of assisted farmer-producers, which are handled by its women’s group.

Leading LGU Manolo Fortich in receiving the check is Committee on Agriculture Vice-Chairman Councilor Elzevir A. Dagunlay; Gemma G. Cania, municipal agriculturist; Zorayda Lozada, municipal treasurer; and Maribeth Barrio, the Kadiwa project in-charge, in the presence of DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe. # (MPMTablon)

Agri NorMin joins the RTF-ELCAC serbisyo caravan and turns over agri support worth over 2.4-M to Brgy. Bacayawan, Munai, Lanao del Norte.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict – Northern Mindanao (RTF-ELCAC NorMin), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) poured agricultural interventions worth over P2.4-million during the Serbisyo Caravan in barangay Bacayawan, Munai, Lanao del Norte (LDN) on September 13, 2022.

In partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the activity is a joint initiative of the provincial government of LDN and the municipal local government of Munai with the participation of different national government agencies (NGAs), which aims to uplift the economic status of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) community in Munai town.

Comprising said interventions that were handed over to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Philippine Army (PA) were: 13 units of rice thresher (P134K each), and 3 units of corn sheller (P149,500 each).

Likewise, the municipal local government of Munai also received planting materials (Robusta coffee seedlings), seeds (inbred rice, Open-Pollinated Variety white corn, and assorted vegetables), organic fertilizers, and knapsack sprayer amounting to P243,312,50.

On top of the cited agri interventions, the department, through the Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) also gave away packets of Trichoderma harzianum, a biological control agent formulated by RSL to treat the soil from fungal pathogens causing various fungal plant diseases.

LDN Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza Dimaporo expressed her appreciation to all the participating NGAs, who brought and extended various services to the MILF community.

She added that the activity is part of the Especial Mass-Based Program, where the provincial government conveys government assistance closer to the grassroots community for them to benefit.

“I assure you that such activity will be conducted regularly in Munai to cater the needs of indigent people, particularly the MILF in Bacayawan; thereby, achieving peace and development, while preserving the rich culture of Muslim communities in LDN,” Gov. Dimaporo emphasized.

Meanwhile, MILF Base Commander Aleem Ansari T. Murad is grateful for the government support, and hopes for more infrastructure projects such as concreted roads to reduce the farmers’ transport cost and postharvest loses.

Under Executive Order No. 70, RTF-ELCAC is a collaborative effort of NGAs and local governments, which targets to address the root causes of insurgencies and other armed conflicts and threats in isolated and geographically disadvantaged areas across the country.

On behalf of DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes, Provincial Operations Center chief for Lanao del Norte, Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo handed over the certificates of turnover to Munai Municipal Mayor Racma D. Andamama and Brigade Commander Rey B Alemania of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, PA.# (EMBentulan, Jr.)

Kape Maramag receives a unit of mini chainsaw to boost their coffee farming operations in Maramag, Bukidnon.  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 headed by OIC – Regional Executive Director Milo D. delos Reyes handed over 1 unit of mini chainsaw to Kape Maramag, Inc. at the agency compound on September 12, 2022.

The mini chainsaw was received through the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Maramag president Estila A. Achas, who noted that the unit will be greatly helpful for farmers in pruning their coffee plants.

Funded under the High Value Crops Development program, said agri intervention aimed to boost the coffee farming operations of Maramag town.

Back in 2012, DA-10 funded for the establishment of a coffee roasting facility through RIC Maramag, the mother organization of Kape Maramag, as part of reviving the coffee industry in the region. # (MPMTablon)