DA-10 through its RCUD facilitates the training on mushroom production for FRs in Quezon, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support to the Executive Order No. 70 or to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 Special Area for Agriculture Development (DA-10 SAAD) program headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, administered a Mushroom Spawn Production Training on December 2-3, 2021 in Lumintao, Quezon, Bukidnon.

Seventeen SAAD beneficiaries from Lumintao Farmers and Workers Association and Minongan Farmers Organization attended the said training which was facilitated by the department’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD).

The two associations are composed of former rebels of Quezon, who are currently aided by the 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) of the Philippine Army, headed by Lt Col Juvenal Mark T Tayamen.

With the concerted efforts of DA-10 SAAD and 3IB, the beneficiaries are now capable of producing their own Oyster mushroom spawns (Pleurotus ostreatus), which is a good source of income.

Through the said livelihood training, former rebels can be more productive members in their communities. #(DA-10 SAAD)

DA-10 taps select representatives from FCAs and LGUs for a potential market for yellow corn thru Cargill.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Select farmer’s cooperatives and associations (FCAs) producing yellow corn from the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Occidental of Region 10 with their respective local government units (LGUs) met on December 9, 2021, via online for a likely partnership with Cargill Philippines, Inc.

With a shared vision of helping farmers prosper by linking corn growers to a market, the said company has sought aid from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in finding potential suppliers to deliver yellow corn to their feed mill located in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

Cargill has a business scope portfolio that includes poultry products, grain and oilseeds, feed and beverage ingredients, and animal nutrition, of which for the latter, they manufacture premix solutions to primarily serve medium to large livestock farms and feed millers.

The company led by John Jason Rosales, risk management and sourcing director; and merchants Randy Enderes (Luzon and Visayas) and Jesiel Rita Salazar (Mindanao), bared Cargill’s purchase process, quality acceptance parameters, payment process, among others.

DA-10 through its Corn program focal person Richan D. Lacanaria presented the list of probable FCAs duly endorsed by the different provincial governments that could meet the company’s demand.

With the local governments serving as partners of the agency at the grassroots level, he further urged the participating representatives to re-echo such development to farmer-leaders that an additional market option for their yellow corn is at hand. # (JLO)

DA-10 personnel undergo a training on emergency preparedness and disaster and risk reduction management to proactively respond to unprecedented emergency cases in their households and workplace.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 50 employees of the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 underwent a three-day Emergency Preparedness and Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Training in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City.

The training aims to capacitate the agency’s employees to proactively respond to unprecedented emergency cases in their households and workplace, especially noting the aggravating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the event of natural and human-induced hazards.

Cheryl T. Namoc, Civil Defense Officer II of the Office of the Civil Defense – Region 10, emphasized that as the pandemic remains a threat to public health and safety these days, an organization’s DRRM Program must have “new normal” features.

“With this pandemic the thematic areas of the National DRRM – disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and, rehabilitation and recovery must be carried out in conformance to new normal standards,” Namoc accounted.

She also purported that an organization must be able to organize and activate its own Disaster Coordinating Group (DCG) to effectively mitigate disaster occurrence.

Osin A. Sinsuat, Jr., Chief Geologist of the Mines and Geoscience Bureau –Region 10 apprised the participants on Basic Information on Geologic Hazards.

For their part, SINSP Arnold P. Lagbas, Chief of Fire Safety Enforcement Divison of the Bureau of Fire Protection – Region 10, and Mr. Jeffrey S. Perez, Supervising Science Research Specialist/Geologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) oriented the employees on Fire and Earthquake Safety at Home and in the Workplace during the training.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga said the agency annually conducts emergency preparedness training for its employees to keep them abreast with recent DRRM guidelines and updates, as it is crucial in capacitating the employees to be prepared responders in times of emergency.

“With this training we wanted the DA staff to be disaster-resilient so that in times of emergency, they can protect themselves and their family while being able to continuously serve the region’s farming communities,” Director Madriaga said.

Actual safety drills were also conducted to gauge the DA staff’s ability to reasonably respond to emergency instances.

The 3-day training capitulated with a workshop on Home and Workplace Risk Assessment.

Through which, participants identified appropriate measures to mitigate potential hazards in their household and workplace, making use of the safety knowledge and skills acquired in the training.#(ATalib)

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.