DA-10 continues to support local farmers through vegetable seeds distribution.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To boost vegetable production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over vegetable seeds to farmers’ associations on September 26, at the DA-10 compound, this city.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, along with Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Baikingon Vegetable Growers’ Association (BVGA) of CdeO and Paganan Farmers’ Association of Talakag, Bukidnon.

Baikingon received 1 pouch kangkong and 3 cans squash seeds while Paganan FA received 10 tin cans carrot, 4 tin cans squash, 2 foil packs pole sitao and 2 foil packs kangkong seeds.

Roldan B. Maglungsod from BVGA, at the same time, City Agriculture and Fishery Council chair of CdeO shared that the interventions will greatly help the residents who are tending communal gardens.

The said distribution of vegetable seeds is one of the initiatives of the DA to help address food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. # (AMBM)

Agri-10 meets with Lanao del Norte agribiz enterprise dev’t system implementers to improve delivery of services through such system to agri-related enterprises.

LANAO DEL NORTE – In an effort to address challenges faced in enterprise sustainability, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged a coordination meeting with the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) project implementers on September 26, in Kapatagan town, here.

Spearheaded by the division’s Agribusiness and Industry Support Services Section, the activity aims to keep stakeholders informed and updated on the status of FFEDIS implementation, foster collaboration and communication among involved, and identify any bottlenecks that need to be addressed.

In relation to the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321) and Memorandum Circular No. 25 Series of 2020, the creation of FFEDIS is one of the deliverables stipulated in its approved Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

FFEDIS is an operational information system crafted to aid the government in devising strategies and initiatives for enterprise development to enable the producer groups, the private sector, and the local government units to respond effectively to both local and global market demands.

AISS Section chief Jenny D. Alcobilla, led the presentations on updates and guidelines for FFEDIS in Region 10, as well as on concerns related to FFEDIS registration.

Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprises (FFEs), Agri-fishery Enterprises (AFEs), and other Agri-fishery Enterprises (non-FFEs) are encouraged to register for FFEDIS through their respective registration desks or online.

The benefits of being registered into the system include market linkage, access to loan and grant programs, training, technology transfer, and subsidies.

Provincial Operations Center chief Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo emphasized the importance of utilizing FFEDIS, stating that it provides strategic enterprise development information that would enable local farmers to scale up their operations and efficiently market their produce.

Through the meeting, agribusiness coordinators also presented FFEDIS updates from their respective municipalities, discussed the challenges faced as well as the actions taken, and provided recommendations that would help strengthen FFEDIS within their area of responsibility.

In closing, Alcobilla highlighted the importance of creating more organized and continuous communication between the province’s agribusiness coordinators and DA-10. “This will, in turn, facilitate easy sharing of outputs and ensure that each town is well informed about DA-10’s project [and interventions], through AMAD”, she said.

As of September 25, there are 547 approved FFEDIS registrations within Region 10, with 197 from the province.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 apprises the different truckers in Cagayan de Oro City on the agency’s Food Lane Project

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In an effort to ease the transport and logistics of various agricultural commodities and products in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted an orientation on the agency’s Food Lane Project, on September 25, in this city.

According to Edmar L. Fajutagana, Supervising Agriculturist of the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), the Food Lane Project aims to institutionalize the efficient and speedy delivery and distribution of agri-fishery products from production sides to the market, which is seen to reduce the cost of transportation and postharvest losses.

Further, he said that the project is in line with the thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for reduced transport and logistics costs and increased food production, as outlined in his State of the Nation Address last July 2024.

The Said project is co-implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the DA as lead implementer, to facilitate the accreditation of agriculture and fishery suppliers and truckers, ensure the safe passage of truckers and suppliers at designated checkpoints and main roads, and implement pertinent issuances and policies related to the Food Lane Project at the local level.

As specified in DA Administrative Order No. 18 Series of 2012, commodities including rice, corn, fresh fruits and vegetables, livestock and poultry products and by-products, fresh and frozen meat, fresh and frozen fish and marine products, feeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs are covered under the Food Lane Project.

Some 20 truckers and partner government agencies in Cagayan de Oro were apprised of the documentary requirements for accreditation, as well as the online and in-person accreditation procedure facilitated by the AMAD.

Truckers with approved applications will receive a Certificate of Accreditation valid for two years, granting them ease of passage in checkpoints and exemption from pass-through fees and exemption from truck ban, subject to local regulations and policies; and immediate assistance during product delivery.

DA-10 AMAD Agribusiness Industry Support Section chief, Jenny D. Alcobilla enjoined the participants to comply with the required documents for accreditation, stressing its benefit toward the distribution of high quality, safe, and fresh agri-fishery produce in the local markets, for the benefit of suppliers and consumers alike.

The meeting was supported by DILG-10 Local Government Capability Development Division chief Hazel L. Occeña, PNP Regional Office 10 Police Captain Ryan Braser G. Condeza, and DA-AMAD staff.# (GDA)

Agri-10 meets with stakeholders for the APA Project implementation that aims to improve farmers’ resilience against climate change

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Being one of the pilot regions for the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) collaborates with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a Regional Planning Workshop and Field Validation from September 24 to 27, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, this city.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca shared that the activity aims to present the rationale of the project and harmonize the coordination of the different agencies from the national up to the provincial level.

With a total USD 26.3-million (M) grant from the GCF and USD 12.9-M co-financing from DA and PAGASA, the project aims to enhance the resilience of rural farmers in areas vulnerable to climate change while also transforming the country’s agricultural system to adapt to these challenges.

Set to start this 2024 up to 2030, Region 10 is among the pilot regions identified as climate change hot spots based on climate projections along with the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), regions 2, 5 and 12.

For Northern Mindanao, 12 municipalities from Bukidnon province were chosen based on the assessment on climate change vulnerability, municipal profile and commitment to action. For which, interventions are intended for Rice and Corn farming with Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) technologies focusing on Rice-Onion crop rotation, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and organic practices on rice and corn.

As such, the planning workshop focused on how to develop and disseminate localized Climate Information Service (CIS) and CRA products and services at the provincial level. It will then be followed by field visits in Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) villages, Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and Farmers Information and Technology Service (FITS) centers.

Meanwhile, other implementing partners present are representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute, Agricultural and Fishery Council, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Science and Technology and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division.# (AMBM)

Agri-10 through the Regulatory Division apprises LGUs on regulations for animal and feed facilities.

LANAO DEL NORTE — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, held an orientation on September 24 in Lala town to discuss the regulations, particularly on the registration and licensing, of animal facilities and feed establishments.

The event gathered agricultural staff from local government units (LGUs) across the province to ensure compliance with the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) guidelines, as mandated by Republic Acts (RA) 8485 and 1556, and other related administrative orders (AO) and circulars (AC) from the DA.

Division’s Veterinarian III, Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM, discussed RA 8485, otherwise known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” and its amendments under RA 10631.

Said law is designed to promote animal welfare by preventing cruelty, abuse, and exploitation, ensuring animals’ physical and psychological well-being.

Chiu also covered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2016-12, which requires the registration of animal facilities with the DA-BAI before LGUs can issue business permits.

As stipulated by DA-AO No. 8, Series of 1999, she reiterated that animal facility owners must secure a BAI Certificate of Registration before the issuance of a Mayor’s Permit. She stressed the importance of keeping facilities clean and sanitary, with BAI reserving the right to revoke registration if these standards are not met.

Further, Chiu also elaborated on DA-AC No. 04, 2016, which sets forth the rules and regulations for the registration of animal facilities. This includes the requirements, process for renewal, administrative sanctions, fees, and the minimum number of animals required per farm or facility registration.

In addition, Agriculturist I Elaine Joy D. Morante provided an overview of RA 1556, which regulates the manufacture, importation, labeling, advertising, and sale of livestock and poultry feeds.

She stressed that, as per Section 4, Subsection (d), no feeds or feeding materials in any form may be manufactured, imported, advertised, sold, or offered for sale without prior registration with the BAI Director.

Further, Morante discussed DA-AO No. 08, 2004, which amends AO No. 3, Series of 1997, detailing revised guidelines for the registration and licensing of livestock, poultry, and by-products handlers, as well as livestock transport carriers.

These licenses, as she explained, are valid for one year and must be renewed at least a month before expiration. However, renewal applicants are required to attend a seminar to stay informed about current government regulations.

Participants in the orientation were from the Agricultural offices and Business Processing and Licensing offices of the provincial and municipal governments of Lanao del Norte.

In line with DA’s commitment in creating a safer and more regulated environment for both animals and agricultural stakeholders in the region, the DA-10 also aims to strengthen the coordination between the agency and LGUs.# (BJCE/Photo supplied)

Agri-10, FICCO hold the first ever harvest festival for potato tubers in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon.

TALAKAG, BUKIDNON – Aiming to provide more farming opportunities to local farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, together with the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Community Outreach Foundation, Inc. (FCOF), conducted the first potato tubers harvest festival on September 18, in Barangay Miarayon, here.

These planting materials were developed through tissue culture technology, led by researchers from the DA-10 Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).

On January 11, 420 Potato Plantlets from the tissue culture laboratory of FCOF were transferred to the greenhouse constructed in the locality to acclimate micro-plants and to be raised for further seed tuber production.

Following the project timeline which began in November 2021, this harvest marks the first in its ongoing phase and is referred to as Generation Zero.

Approximately 228k mini tubers were produced and 30 farmer-beneficiaries from the Miarayon- Lapok-Lirongan-Tinaytayan- Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTRA) will be given 1K seeds per potato farmer.

Eleazer A. Jumalon, DA-10 NMACLRC Science Research Assistant, said that the planting materials are classified as Granola Potatoes, favored by farmers due to their high yield, demand in the market, and suitability to the growing conditions in Northern Mindanao.

“It can yield between 21 to 25 tons per hectare, provided that the planting materials are clean and the area is well-maintained by the farmer. This is significantly higher compared to other varieties, which yield only around 18 to 19 metric tons per hectare,” Jumalon added.

To support the sustainability of the project, the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of DA-10, through NMACLRC, handed over 100 crates and 50 pallets to be used by FCOF for harvesting, storing, and transporting the planting materials.

Also present were NMACLRC personnel headed by its chief, Carmelito R. Lapoot, FCOF Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ernie A. Obsina, FICCO Board Director Daina Empeynado, and select staff from FCOF and FICCO.

Following the distribution of Generation Zero to MILALITTRA, DA-10 and FCOF plan to extend their services in the coming year, allowing other clients to avail of these planting materials.# (EJLG)

DA-10 through its RAED holds a coordination meeting with contractors to review its ongoing infra projects.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a stride toward advancing agricultural development in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) convened 16 contractors for a coordination meeting to review the progress of some Php263-million worth of ongoing infrastructure projects.

Spearheaded by the department’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) through its Programs Project Management Section (PPMS), the meeting, held on September 12, at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, here, sought to address issues, concerns, and project timelines in the implementation of various infrastructure projects, which includes corn and rice processing centers, biosecured and irrigation facilities, among others.

Presiding the meeting was DA-10 RED Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, together with RAED chief, Engr. Deliza T. Camaro. In his remarks, the agency head emphasized the paramount importance of transparency and the timely [and quality] execution of government programs and projects.

Before the department’s resident and site engineers, PPMS chief, Engr. Romil G. Española, also presented and discussed some of the observations and challenges in implementing the different projects on the ground.

Relatedly, the contractors have outlined their action plans to address identified project bottlenecks, and likewise committed to fast-track the completion of the cited infra projects.

Highlighted also in the meeting is a briefing on the Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS). It is a web-based system that monitors project progress in real-time from proposal, procurement, delivery/implementation, completion, and turnover/inventory, which overall aids the agency’s commitment to improving transparency and accountability across all stages of project management.

Capping off the event, Pacamalan enjoined the contractors to meet project timelines, underscoring that doing so would allow them to participate in future bids and continue their partnership with the office.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 research centers host onion derby to showcase the performance of onion seeds and production technologies across different locations.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of its bid to ensure the region’s self-sufficiency in agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) staged this year’s Allium Derby on September 10 and 12, in the agency’s various research centers in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

In its second year, five participating seed companies simultaneously planted their varieties for red and white onion in demonstration areas measuring 1,000-sqm within the agency’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Bukidnon, and the Research Center for Hillyland Development in Misamis Oriental.

Said seed companies were the Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Ramgo International, Corp., Allied Botanical, Corp., Harbest Agribusiness, Corp., and East-West Seed Philippines.

According to HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, the derby serves as an opportunity for the seed companies to showcase their production technologies and seeds’ performance, relative to the environmental conditions unique to each of the aforementioned derby sites.

Further, Pagalan said that the derby remains faithful in serving the interests of local farmers, as it provides the avenue for farmers to learn about these new agricultural technologies, particularly its implications on key considerations such as crop yield and resistance.

The derby is slated to run for approximately three months, when the onions have matured and ready for harvest, by late November to mid-December.

The second allium derby was spearheaded by the HVCDP, supported by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano Jr. and RCHD chief Samuel C. Natindim Jr., and the Regional Crop Protection Center through Senior Science Research Specialist Tito P. Mañigos Jr.# (GDA)

DA-10 holds a blessing and turnover of its new building in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) marks a milestone with the blessing and turnover of its newly constructed three-storey building with a roof deck on September 12, in Brgy. Poblacion, here.

The event was led by DA-10 Regional Executive Director (RED) Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, along with other key officials and personnel from DA-10.

Designed to accommodate the growing operational needs of the regional office, the new building spans a floor area of 5,170.43 square meters costing more than PhP156-million for phase 1.

As a symbolic gesture of turnover for the said building, Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Lilibeth N. Aparecio, DM, represented by the Chief of Construction Division, Engr. Vergie G. Nayve, handed over the project documents to RED Pacamalan.

In his message, the agri chief exec expressed his gratitude for the new facility and its potential to improve the delivery of agri-services.

He also announced plans for possible expansion, which includes in housing the Integrated Laboratory in the same facility, where it would enhance the department’s capacity in extending laboratory services to its agricultural clienteles.

As the mother agency, the relocation of the DA-RFO 10 office to El Salvador City further paves the way to be in proximity to its attached bureau and agency, namely: the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X and the National Meat Inspection Service – 10.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 through its F2C2 program spearheads a training on product development and marketing strategy to 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In order to aid the Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) in the region in terms of product marketability, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, conducted a training on product development and marketing strategy on September 4-6, in this city.

Marnelly Ann P. Flores, F2C2 alternate focal person, said that they invited leaders and representatives from 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products to join the said training in order to improve their product branding, packaging, labeling and its overall marketability.

Topics in the training include Product Label Design and Development of Product Creation, which was discussed by Joycedel C. Macias, a chocolatier and agripreneur from Davao City.

Marketing strategies and product consultation was also discussed by Greenly L. Batucan, Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist of the Department and Trade and Industry-10.

Meanwhile, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria added that the activity is important for the FCAs to generate brand awareness in order to nurture customer relationships which will eventually lead to paying customers.

“DA-10 F2C2 will continue to bring trainings and workshops to FCAs in the region to capacitate them and help them achieve their goals as a farming [and fishing] cluster,” she furthered.# (CRS)