DA-10 caps off its ASF indemnification payments to MisOr affected hog farmers with the recent distribution of P9.11-M.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- In support to backyard hog raisers stricken by the African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado paid fully the remaining P9.11 million (M) to complete the set P66.11-M for ASF indemnification assistance in the region.

On November 23-25, 2021, the agency distributed indemnity to some barangays of Cagayan de Oro City and the different municipalities of Misamis Oriental which includes Balingasag, Villanueva, Tagoloan, Manticao, Opol, and El Salvador City for its last batch payment.

In El Salvador City, young hog farmer Archie M. Apus said, “Malaki ang tulong nito [ASF indemnification] sa aming pamilya dahil ang pagbababoy ang inaasahan namin na pangkabuhayan at pangpa-aral. Sa ngayon, ang matitirang pera para sa pangmatrikula ibibigay ko sa aking magulang para puhunan sa maliit na negosyo.”

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga assured, that the agency will continue to provide farmers with technical or financial assistance.

Madriaga added that the agency strongly pursues its efforts to contain, manage and regulate the ASF, and afterward, recover the region’s swine industry.

She encouraged hog growers to avail themselves of insurance coverage from the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC).

As of July 1, 2021, all insurance and indemnification will be covered by PCIC, with a 1.75% premium for fatteners and 3.5 percent for breeders, which are waived as free for backyard raisers.

The insurance covers P10,000 per head for fatteners, P14,500 per head for breeders, and P34,000 per head for parent stocks.

DA-10 ASF focal person Dr. Julesben Caesar Maquiling urged hog raisers to observe biosecurity measures to prevent their hogs from ASF contamination.

He said that its implementation will also help in repopulating hogs in ASF-affected areas.

Repopulation for  ASF-stricken areas from early this year until June will take start in the first quarter of 2022.

Villanueva Mayor Jennie Rosalie T. Uy-Mendez said they will wait for DA’s notice for repopulation which includes the conduct of a series of tests, cleaning, and disinfection to abate disease outbreak, further adding that it will help in reviving the swine industry, not only in our municipality but the whole region, as well.

“To the local government units and the communities, be vigilant in the entry of hogs and swine products and by-products that may cause the spread of the virus,” she added.

In total, 3,294 ASF affected farmers with 13,223 culled hogs were paid completely since April this year, where the agency covers P5,000.00 for each hog depopulated on account of the ASF contagion.

On top of the ASF indemnification, recipients have also received food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development. # (JCAnito)

DA-PhilMech turns over farm machinery to FCAs in LDN to drum up their mechanization level; thereby, increasing their productivity and income.

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE – Some 19 Farmers’ Associations, Cooperatives (FCAs) in Lanao del Norte received P44.2 million worth of farm machinery from the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) at Pigcarangan, Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The FCAs represent 2,964 rice farmers in the province, entitled to various farm machinery and equipment funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), mechanization component.

By virtue of the Rice Tariffication Law, the RCEF will be funded P10 billion annually in a span of six years starting 2019, to mobilize key programs for rice production as the country liberalizes its trade policy on rice importation.

FCAs from the municipalities of Lala, Kapatagan, Baroy, Maigo, Tubod, Salvador, Sapad, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo were granted with 11 units four-wheel tractor, 2 units hand tractor, 4 units floating tiller, 1 unit PTO driven disk plow/harrow, 1 unit walk-behind transplanter, 2 units riding type transplanter, 8 units rice combine harvester, 1 unit recirculating dryer, 1 unit impeller rice mill, 1 unit single pass rice mill and 2 unit de stoner.

Lanao del Norte is the second rice-producing province in Northern Mindanao with a total rice area of 23,045 hectares.

The provision of such machinery is seen to boost the province’s rice production capacity, by mechanizing pre and post-production stages.

The activity was graced by the DA Undersecretary for Regulations and Infrastructure, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, PhilMech FMFOD Chief, Mr. Joel Dator, and local officials, Governor Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo, Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo, and other local chief executives.#(ATalib)

DA-10 turns over assorted vegetable seeds to MOGCHS in support to their Gulayan sa Tahanan program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) received 100 packets of assorted vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 on November 24, 2021.

Field Operations Division Chief Audy G. Maagad handed the seeds to Merydel Tejano, Grade 7 TLE Teacher of MOGCHS at DA-10 compound.

Tejano shared that the seeds will be used for their Brigada Eskwela 2021 with the theme “Bayanihan Para sa Paaralan.”

She added that the assorted vegetable seeds like sinigang, squash, cabbage, and garden salad, which she has received will support their program, “Gulayan sa Tahanan”.

Parents and teachers will be provided with the said seeds in support to food sufficiency.

DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant program enhances food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic. #(MPTablon)

DA-NorMin convenes the pest surveillance officers in the region to finetune the implementation of its pest surveillance activities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 23 – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) spearheaded a two-day meeting with the municipal pest surveillance officers on November 23-24, 2021, in this city.

The meeting tackled on the implementation and updating of pest surveillance activities, specifically for rice and corn across the region.

The pest surveillance officers, who are also agricultural technicians (ATs), and the municipal agriculturists (MAs) from the different towns re-tooled on the management and strategies of controlling major insect pests that infest said crops such as the Fall Army Worm (FAW), Asian Corn Borer, Rice Black Bug (RBB), among others.

DA-RFO 10 Regulatory Division OIC-Chief Eduardo N. Pit reported that in Region 10, only 0.04 percent has been infested with FAW of the total 103,805.07 hectares of corn standing crop as of October 2021. In which 100% has been treated already.

Meanwhile, DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla emphasized the challenges of pest management with the infestation of RBB in other areas of the country.

She further advised them to be vigilant with continuous efforts in monitoring crops to detect early the presence of pests.

Also present in the activity is DA-RFO 10 Field Operations Division Chief Audy G. Maagad, and other DA-10 staff who also shared their expertise in this field.# (EMBentulan)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) hands over various rice machinery to qualified farmer cooperatives, associations (FCAs) of Misamis Occidental.

A total of 18 FCAs from the municipalities of Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Clarin, Panaon, Plaridel, Tudela, and the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz, and Tangub will benefit from the rice machinery worth P37.59 million under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Of the total amount, P25 million is allocated for the 10 FCAs of the first district and P14.5 million is allocated to the second district with eight FCAs as part of the 2021 budget.

The machinery distributed includes 13 units floating tiller, 11 units rice thresher, 8 units 4WD tractor, 3 units each of recirculating dryer and hand tractor; 4 units rice combine harvester; two units for each rice reaper, PTO driven disc plow; and, 1 unit each of walk-behind and riding type transplanter, multi-stage rice mill and de stoner.

The Rice Tariffication Law or Republic Act 11203 allots P10 billion yearly from tariffs of imported rice for six years, from 2019 to 2024, for the RCEF program aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the Philippine rice industry.#(CRSeraspe)

DA-RFO 10 supports NIA’s implementation of irrigation projects in the region’s bid to achieve food security.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 extends its support to the National Irrigation Authority – 10 (NIA-10), as they turn over more than P1.8 billion worth of projects on November 23, 2021, in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

NIA-10 Regional Director Engr. Constancio G. Bana-ay, Jr. reported, that 6,157 farmers will benefit from the 51 turned-over irrigation projects covering three irrigation management offices (IMOs): Bukidnon (29 projects); Lanao del Norte-Misamis Occidental-Misamis Oriental-Camiguin (LAMISCA IMO) for 19 projects; and Lanao del Sur (3 projects).

Meanwhile, NIA-10 Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Engr. Czar M. Sulaik said that these irrigation projects are geared towards boosting rice production to achieve food security.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared, that despite NIA not being under DA, they have continued their partnership as they are serving the same clientele.

“These irrigation projects are also in line with the ‘OneDA reform agenda’, which pushes for agriculture modernization with the end goal of being self-sustaining,” Madriaga added.

She also reported, that amidst the pandemic, DA has continued to serve its agri-clienteles, and thanked the rice farmers for their hard work and perseverance in ensuring food security in the region.

“Amidst the challenges brought by COVID-19, the agriculture sector in Region 10 has increased by 1.5%, and we congratulate you for being resilient,” shared National Economic and Development Authority – 10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, further assuring NEDA and the Regional Development Council’s support for the sector. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 through its Corn Program handed over 150 bags of hybrid corn seeds to the Congressional Office of CdeO City 2^nd district Congressman Rodriguez for distribution to farmers in barangays F.S. Catanico, Tablon and Balubal.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To aid corn farmers with their agri-input requirements, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) turned over 150 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds to the Congressional Office of CdeO City 2nd district Representative Rufus R. Rodriguez on November 24, 2021.

Said provision amounting to P750K will be distributed to corn farmers of barangays F.S. Catanico, Tablon and Balubal.

Pooled from the funding of the agency’s Corn Program under its Production Support Services, each bag of corn seeds at 9 kilograms can be planted to half a hectare of land with an estimated average yield of 6-7 metric tons per hectare. # (JLO)

The 4ID, PA supports DA-10’s initiatives in boosting food production through their Army Green Camps Program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army received various vegetables seeds from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in support to its “Army Green Camps Program.”

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla handed to TSG Rey A Viña (INF) PA Jones E. Betantos, Chief Clerk, OG7, 4ID, PA, 20 packets each of pinakbet seeds (pole sitaw, okra, squash, ampalaya and eggplant), sinigang (radish, kangkong, tomato, pole sitaw, okra) and garden salad seeds (lettuce, tomato, cucumber), in the presence of High Value Crops Development Program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan.

TSG Viña said that the seeds will be used in the launching of their “Army Green Camps Program” in boosting food production within their camps amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the Philippine Army supports DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program through urban gardening in attaining food adequacy.# (JCAnito)

Member-agencies of RMC of DA-10 meet for the Reg’l. Integrated Workplan to discuss key issues besetting the agri-sector for inclusion in the preparation of a national workplan.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Pursuing efforts towards a transformed Philippine agriculture, the Regional Management Committee (RMC) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) convened in a Consultation-Workshop for the Regional Integrated Workplan on Monday, November 22.

Said activity is geared towards soliciting inputs from the participating member agencies on how to address key issues besetting the agriculture sector for inclusion in the preparation of a national workplan, with reference to the 2022 targets and national expenditure program budget.

Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 regional technical director for operations underscored, that the output for the said activity should be aligned with the OneDA reform agenda, which adopts the four pillars and 18 key strategies to level up the region and the country’s agricultural sector.

“We must work on a sound and realistic workplan to lay down our network, and see the harmonization of functions and services related to the delivery of our services,” the director added.

Discussions incorporated into the plan and were affirmed by the attendees include the better management and control of African Swine Fever to ramp up DA’s hog repopulation program; challenge on the increasing fertilizer prices; the highly intertwined relationship among the yellow corn, livestock, and poultry subsectors; acceleration in the provision of legislation of fish hatcheries; and better sharing of information of the coconut industry.

Also covered were the large-scale implementation of crop diversification in marginal rice farmlands in view of the midway implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law; rice farmers’ financial assistance; food inflation; social protection for farmers; and cross-cutting issues.

RMC is chaired by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with member agencies composed of DA-10’s attached bureaus (ATI, BFAR, BSWM, BAI-NVQS, and BPI PQS, SPAL, NSQCS), agencies (ACPC, FPA, NMIS, PhilMech, PhilFIDA, PCC, and corporations (PhilRice, SRA, NDA, PCA, NFA, and NTA) in partnership with NIA and PCIC. # (JLO)

OA practitioners from Buk’non and MisOr provinces display their organically grown harvest and by-products in line with the Nat’l. OA month celebration this month of November.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some organic agriculture practitioners from the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental convene on November 23, 2021 to feature their organically grown harvest and by-products, in this city.

Said activity is in observance for the month of November as the National Organic Agriculture (OA) Month with the theme: ‘Organikong Pagsasaka, Sagot sa Pandemya’, as per Proclamation No. 1030.

Marking its seventh year, the celebration continues to support the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, which aims to mainstream organic agriculture practices adoption across the country, with emphasis on ensuring healthy and safe food for Filipino households, especially amid the ongoing pandemic. # (JLO)