Iligan IP farmer associations receive cacao seedlings to boost their farm productivity and income.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aiming to boost farmers’ productivity and income, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over 5,000 pieces of cacao seedlings to six Indigenous Peoples (IPs) farmer associations of barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.

Said intervention is also in support of Executive Order No. 70 or institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.

The P175K worth of project will benefit the 710 members of barangay Rogongon IP which include the -Malumpayad Tribal Farmer’s Association; Dungoan Indigenous People Farmers Association; Gabunan Farmers Association; Tawagon Bridge Tribal Farmers Association; Binasan Tribal Farmers Association; and Higaonon Tribal Community.

The IPs of Brgy. Rogongon is the beneficiary of DA’s ‘Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubong’ program, otherwise known as the 4Ks program which is intended to help in the development of tribal communities in the country.

The Rogongon IPs have around 6,700 hectares of farmland suitable for cacao production aside from growing abaca as their primary source of income and living.

Early in May this year, the community has also received Banana Cardava planting materials thru DA-10’s High-Value Crops Development Program.

Leading the turnover on behalf of DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado is LDN Provincial Operations Center Chief Abdulharis P. Paporo.

“With this aid, Rogongon IPs will be more interested to engage in entrepreneurial farming and become an active catalyst for change towards peace and development,” said Paporo.

Also present during the turnover was Iligan City Agriculturist Jose Desiderio D. Oyo-a.# (EMBentulan)

Among the services of RSL of DA-10 is soil testing which determines the pH and available phosphorus, organic and potassium in soils, allowing the recommendation of the right and proper amount of fertilizer, and timing of application. (Photo credit: EMB)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, August 31 – Capping nearly midway of this year, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) has finally been granted by the Professional Regulatory Board of Chemistry a Certificate of Authority to Operate (CATO) to its two laboratories.

Cited conferment is in pursuant to the powers vested in the Board under sections 7g and 36 of Republic Act No. 10657, otherwise known as the Chemistry Profession Act, a law regulating and modernizing the practice of chemistry in the Philippines.

Being awarded with a CATO, the Feed Chemical Analytical Laboratory (FCAL) and Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) of DA-10, has been found to meet the requirements of said Act and the rules and regulations of the Board.

Accordingly, DA-Northern Mindanao marks as the first DA regional field office across the country to do so for both of its laboratories.

“DA ensures the continued development and high standards of chemistry practice in our laboratories for an improved delivery of service to our clientele, which is vital to public safety and environmental protection,” Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 regional executive director remarked.

Since its application, the agency has complied with the Board’s findings based from their on-site inspections and documentary requirement submissions, such as, but not limited to the additional acquisition of equipment, entitlement of hazard pay to laboratory personnel, and registration of hired Contract of Service for the practice of chemistry and chemistry analyses.

Under the umbrella of the Integrated Laboratories Division, both laboratories render services to various clienteles in terms of soil and feed analyses, animal and plant health and nutrition.

In particular, FCAL engages in feed and feed ingredient analysis (complete proximate analysis, crude protein, crude fat, moisture and ash); mineral analysis (calcium, phosphorus and salt); activity test (urease); feed microscopy examination; and aflatoxin test.

On the other hand, RSL offers soil and fertilizer analyses, refill of soil test kits for mobile soil analysis, and Trichoderma production. #(JLO)

DA-NorMin distributes 1,433 bags of poultry feeds worth P2.7 million under the Expanded Livestock and Poultry Production and Livelihood Project for COVID-19 livelihood response.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture -10 thru its Livestock Program recently distributed 1,433 bags of poultry feeds amounting to P2.7 million to its recipients under the Expanded Livestock and Poultry Production and Livelihood Project for COVID-19 livelihood response.

Around 669 recipients of the region received one bag each, while 774 bags were provided to the two production centers of the agency.

Early this year, the qualified farmer recipients in the provinces of Bukidnon (151); Misamis Oriental (193); Camiguin (119); Misamis Occidental (156), and Lanao del Norte (50) received 6 heads free-range chicken with a 1:5 ratio (1 male, 5 female) under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Program.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that DA ensures a stable source of food and livelihood amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“DA Secretary William D. Dar issued a memorandum directing agencies, bureaus, regional offices, and banner programs to refocus all of its activities and budget under the General Appropriations Act to provide programs and activities as a response to the effects brought by COVID-19,” RED Collado added.

The Expanded Livestock and Poultry Production and Livelihood Project for COVID-19 Response is provided under Memorandum Circular no. 21 series of 2020.

“The program seeks to expand production areas, besides providing assistance to beneficiaries in producing their own food and giving them an opportunity to gain additional income amid the ongoing pandemic,” said Ma. Lourdes M. Sypiecco, DA-10 Livestock Program coordinator.

The qualified beneficiaries are members of farmer-cooperatives and associations, with at least 15 members who were interviewed and evaluated accordingly.#(ATCabig)

MAO-Maramag coordinates with DA-PCIC to step up the registration of hog raisers on the government’s swine industry insurance program. (Photo credits: MAO-Maramag)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the aim of pushing for the Swine Industry Insurance Program, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maramag through its Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) coordinates with the DA- Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to facilitate registration of hog raisers on the agency’s insurance program.

Said event was conducted to encourage both backyard and commercial hog raisers to register for PCIC’s insurance program to mitigate the effects brought about by the deadly hog disease, African Swine Fever (ASF).

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that starting July 1 of this year, African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnification requests for depopulated hogs will not be accommodated under the Quick Response fund (QRF) but under DA-PCIC Insurance.

Dr. Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling, DA-10 ASF Focal Person has noted, that through PCIC’s Swine Industry Insurance program, a hog raiser may receive a minimum amount of P10,000 per culled hog affected by ASF.

Aside from offering insurance programs, the agency is also keen on strengthening its biosecurity and surveillance measures to ensure the speedy recovery of Northern Mindanao’s hog industry from the effects of ASF. # (AMBManto)

DA-10 with the Korean experts break ground for the establishment of smart greenhouses at NMACLRC, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Department of Agriculture -10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of Korea through the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) led on Thursday, August 19, 2021 the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of smart greenhouse at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The 11 units smart greenhouses has a total project cost of P70.253 million, is seen to help local farmers in producing high value crops such as tomato, strawberry, pepper and potato using smart farming technologies.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said, this project strengthens the partnership and friendship of the Philippine and Korean governments.

“This is a significant day because this marks the third project that we have received here in our region coming from the Korean government; the first two projects are situated in Misamis Oriental. We are thankful that we are given this project to support our farmers here in Bukidnon and the whole of Northern Mindanao.”

In his message, Director Collado, expressed his gratitude towards the Korean dignitaries for the agricultural assistance they have granted the region amidst the ongoing pandemic.

“You have gone extra mile in providing assistance and expertise in building this project. In return, we will also extend our assistance with whatever you need, especially in the implementation of the project in order to make it a success,” Collado added.

Meanwhile, Jong Dae Park, Greenfarm chief executive officer and one of the Korean experts, conveyed their appreciation to DA for putting forth great efforts for the development of agriculture sector in the country.

“We are honored to be part of this project for the establishment of sustainable smart agriculture using appropriate technology in your country. This project will develop high-tech agriculture [technology] in both Korea and the Philippines and will also play an important role in the prosperity and friendship of the two countries. Our Korean engineers will do their best in constructing the smart greenhouse and your ongoing interest and cooperation will help us ensure that this project will be a success.”

Together with Mr. Park is Jong Man Park and Kim Yang Wu, both Greenfarm smart farm technical directors, and Yeon Sang In, an engineer from Chungnam Specialized Crop Development Association.

Said event was also graced by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of Bukidnon Jacqueline Lagamon, other DA-10 heads and staff, and farmers from the province who will soon benefit from the Project. # (CRSeraspe)

DA-BPI NorMin bares that no smuggled cabbage from China were transported from CdeO City and distributed to Metro Manila markets.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry, Plant Quarantine Services (DA-BPI-PQS) in Northern Mindanao refutes the allegations of smuggled cabbage from China which were transported from Cagayan de Oro City and distributed to Metro Manila markets.

Manuel A. Barradas, Regional Manager of DA-BPI PQS in Northern Mindanao bared on Friday, August 20, responding to said issue circulating in social media.

“Based on our Domestic Movement Report for the months of July and August of this year, there is no cabbage supply coming from Region 10 for Metro Manila.”

For July, 1 metric ton of cabbage was shipped to Siquijor, and 12metric tons were shipped to Iloilo (10MT) and Negros Occidental (2MT) for the month of August.

Barradas further emphasized that DA-BPI Central Office in Manila has not issued a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) on the importation of cabbage.

“We have a strengthened quarantine measure in all ports (sea and air) of Region 10, complying to the Memorandum of DA Sec. William D. Dar in the intensification of the first border inspection, and mandatory (100 percent) inspection of incoming plants and plant products in the second border,” he added.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and Chair of the DA Regional Management Committee in Region 10 Carlene C. Collado directed a team to probe the said issue.

Atty. Elvira Cruz, Custom District Collector, Bureau of Customs, Collection District X committed for a steadfast vigilance against smuggling in response to Barradas’ letter request on the full implementation of Customs Administrative Order No. 2-2017 on the rules and regulations implementing RA No. 10845 otherwise known as “Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016”.

“DA-BPI ensures that incoming agri products must comply with the phytosanitary measures to prevent the spread of plant pests and diseases as well as the safety of the consuming public,” Barradas concluded.

Meanwhile, Mr. Willie Mopon, chair of the Mindanao Agri Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative said, that Region 10 supplies Metro Manila market the Green Gold Variety from the municipalities of Talakag and Lantapan, Bukidnon, and Wakamine variety from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

He assures that cabbages sold in the markets are from local farms.#(ATCabig)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Farmer’s cooperatives and associations (FCAs) producing yellow corn in Bukidnon province along with the concerned local government units (LGUs) convened on August 18, in a virtual meeting for talks of a potential partnership with Charoen Pokphand Foods Company (CPFC).

This, after the Thai-based conglomerate which has expanded its operations in the Philippines with agro-industrial and food as one of its core businesses, sought aid from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), in looking for prospective suppliers to meet their monthly volume requirement of about 3,000-4,000 metric tons.

“Harvest time is coming, and it is the right time for farmers to have another market option and learn the company’s availability in buying the corn produce of our farmers at reasonable prices,” Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 regional executive director remarked.

Corn harvests are expected to be delivered to CPFC’s plant in General Santos City, while the company also bared the possibility of setting up a buying station in said province, should agreements such as the buying price, payment scheme, among others be made between them and the FCAs.

Ian Bernardino, the conglomerate’s deputy department manager, also detailed on the parameters for their quality corn requirement, adding it will guide the FCAs on how to demand premium prices for their corn produce.

On the other hand, CPFC Department Manager Dino Nepumoceno likewise revealed, that the company will be willing to muster the FCAs and have them undergo technical trainings to ensure their production of quality corn.

DA-10 through its Corn Program has presented the list of probable FCAs that can supply to the company, indicating the estimated production and schedule of harvest for this season.

With DA-10 optimistic for the FCAs to forge a partnership with CPFC, Dir. Collado underscored for these groups to maximize the credit facilitation assistance that can be availed from the department thru its agribusiness and marketing arm.

He added, that there are various credit windows offered by government banks such as the Landbank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines to augment their corn production and marketing ventures.

Also in attendance from CPFC are Prateep Tongjan, assistant vice-president; Supakrit Inseesungworn, deputy general manager; Monico Arco, assistant department manager; and John Karlter D. Esclamado, purchasing officer. # (JLO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Four newly promoted and appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) took their oath of office on August 16, 2021.

The promoted personnel are Marlene B. Naluan – Agriculturist II of the Field Operations Division (FOD), Jolee D. Develos and Joel D. Pueblos, both Science Research Specialist I of the Research Division.

On the other hand, Ronald Allan P. Camaddo is newly appointed as Agriculturist I assigned at the FOD.

Administering their oath is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, who shared his hopes for said employees to continue in extending the programs, projects and services of the agency to agri-clienteles even amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Also witnessing the ceremony are the concerned division chiefs Luisito S. Ofngol and Cora A. Dumayaca of the FOD and Research division, respectively, along with DA Employees Association president Lourdes P. Rudinas. # (AMBManto)

On August 13, DA-RMC 10 convenes in an assessment-workshop to gauge its accomplishments in implementing an integrated and synergized agri-fishery projects and programs in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened Friday, August 13, its attached agencies and line bureaus, and other partner agencies in Northern Mindanao for the assessment-workshop of the regional implementation of the OneDA reform agenda.

Said activity primarily aims to gauge its accomplishments in implementing an integrated and synergized agri-fishery projects and programs in the region, as envisioned in accelerating the transformation of the Philippine Agriculture.

The performance were evaluated based on the execution and compliance of the 18 key strategies of the OneDA framework, which were anchored on consolidation, modernization, industrialization and professionalization of the agri-fishery sector.

“We need to constantly assess our accomplishments to keep us abreast with the DA’s Mission and Vision. More significantly, we need to implement an integrated agri-fishery programs to attain scale of impact,” said DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga.

The gaps, challenges and problems in implementing its strategies in the region were identified during the assessment, paving way for unified consensus among the concerned DA’s instrumentalities for strengthened implementation of harmonized agri-fishery programs in the region.

“We need to align our effort so that we can better address the needs of our target groups (farmers and fishers),” stressed Madriaga, urging the entire DA family in the region to come as one in upscaling the region’s agri-fishery sector.

To gear up the OneDA framework implementation, the group has agreed to come up with a harmonized implementation plan of the agri-fishery projects and programs in the region.

By streamlining the agencies’ financial and physical targets and accomplishments, it is anticipated that the DA agri-fishery projects can be synergistically implemented, benefiting the target beneficiaries at maximum scale.

Notably, in Region 10, regional executive director Carlene C. Collado with the Philippine Army and DA attached agencies and line bureaus launched the OneDA adopt a community in April of this year at sitio Kalhaan, Minalwang, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Said effort was in support to EO 70 or whole-of-nation approach, in which, through a vigorous agricultural development can contribute to peace and development.

Director Collado stressed, “OneDA is a holistic approach to agriculture and fisheries transformation with the contributions of the different RMC member agencies.”#(ATalib)

DA-10 turns over the P4.5-M worth project, comprising of trading post, hauling vehicle, weighing scale and plastic crates to KCC in Kitaotao, Buk’non realized thru the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

KITAOTAO, BUKIDNON, August 13 – The P4.5 million worth project of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program is now realized for the Kahusayan Consumers Cooperative (KCC) in barangay Kahusayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

In April of this year, KCC Chair Nilo S. Lanzaderas received the check of said amount from DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado for said project comprising the trading post/building (P2-M), hauling vehicle (P2.4-M), weighing scale and plastic crates (P100,000).

RED Collado cited, that Kitaotao town is one of the strategic boundaries of the region that has been granted with said projects.

He challenged the recipients to take advantage of the facilities granted, and strategize for the expansion of their market for them to acquire additional interventions from DA.

“I hope through this project the cooperative will become stronger and progressive, and will help realize the full potential of Kitaotao, Bukidnon as an agri-tourism municipality,” the director remarked.

DA-10 has budgeted P11 million for the region’s trading post projects under Bayanihan 2 funds thru the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita.

In response, Lanzaderas shared, “Daghang salamat sa DA kay naa na kami insaktong bagsakan sa mga gulay ug delivery van, mas nagkadaghan ang nilambigit sa among kooperatiba. Akong paningkamutan nga ma-sustenar ug mas molambo ang KCC alang sa mga miyembro niini hangtud sa sunod pang mga henerasyon.”

[Thank you DA for granting us with these projects such as the trading post and delivery van for our vegetables, that encourage more farmers to join our coop. I will work harder to help sustain and flourish the operations of KCC for the benefit of the members, and even the next generation.]

The KCC is registered under the Cooperative Development Authority since 2017. Currently, it has 205 active members and earns a net income of roughly P30,000 per month from their farming, mostly from squash and ginger.

Aside from said project, the department thru the High Value Crops Development Program has previously given KCC a multi-cultivator machine that they can use for their crop production.

Also present in the ceremonial turnover is Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Larry E. Paraluman, with Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office headed by Engr. Alson G. Quimba, municipal staff of Kitaotao, Kahusayan barangay council and KCC board members.# (EMBentulan)