On August 10, DA-10 turns over the P4.280 M refrigerated van to LGU Talakag, Bukidnon under its Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over one unit Refrigerated Van worth P4.280 million to the Local Government Unit of Talakag, Bukidnon headed by Mayor Vergito O. Factura on August 10, 2021.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the van is a big help to the vegetable farmers in Talakag town in delivering their produce with lesser postharvest losses.

The refrigerated van is an additional component of the regional food terminal, with its nearly complete construction in barangay Miarayon of said town.

Said van with a gross weight capacity of 7,800 kilograms was granted under DA-10’s Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance program through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), funded under Bayanihan II.

In a separate interview, Talakag Municipal Agriculturist Liezl V. Barros said, “The refrigerated van will be used to transport high value vegetables from the Regional Food Terminal in barangay Miarayon and neighboring barangays producing high value crops to any point of use. This will be of big help to our local farmers to extend the shelf life of highly perishable agri-products and subsequently, reduce postharvest losses and maintain the quality of farm produce.”

“I would like to extend my gratitude to DA-RFO 10 for this kind of intervention extended to our local farmers, especially to our vegetable growers. The unceasing support of DA to LGU Talakag through various agricultural interventions would definitely address several challenges that our local farmers are encountering during this time of pandemic,” Barros added.

The turnover was made possible through the efforts of Talakag Vice Mayor Amado Z. Noble. # (CRSeraspe)

On August 12 via the virtual platform, DA-10 and PCIC bare updates on ASF in R-10 and its corresponding interventions to aid hog raisers easen risks to their investments amid the ASF threat during the RAGCOM Info Car.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, August 12 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) pushes hog raisers to insure their animals with the DA-Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC) to avail indemnification and easen risks to their investments amid the African Swine Fever (ASF) contagion.

In a virtual Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM)-10 Information Caravan, Dr. Julesben Caesar C. Maquiling, DA-10 ASF Focal Person reported that starting July 1, this year, indemnification requests for depopulated hogs due to ASF will no longer be accommodated under the department’s quick respond fund, but rather thru PCIC’s insurance program.

To date, DA-10 has already released the indemnification for the 1,747 ASF-stricken hog farmers with 7,404 hogs, in the total amount of P37.020 million since November 2020, while other requests are still in progress for payment.

Unlike previous ASF indemnification claims pegged at P5,000 per culled hog, he detailed, that under PCIC’s Swine Industry Insurance program, a minimum amount of P10,000 will be accorded to farmers whose animals are depopulated to prevent ASF infestation in an area.

“In support to DA’s effort, PCIC, an attached agency of DA, has designed the Swine Mortality Insurance Program. It contains relaxed features of the agency’s regular livestock insurance program such as discounted premiums for commercial hog raisers, increased indemnity for hog losses, and inclusion of culling or destruction of swine due to ASF as ordered by the government as compensable peril,” Roy Arthur P. Alamban, PCIC sales and marketing chief bared.

He added that the corporation has already allotted P600 million from its current budget for said program.

Of which, the amount shall either be used as insurance premium subsidy or indemnity payment for assured RSBSA listed hog raisers, he added.

Intended beneficiaries of the insurance program range from backyard hog raisers listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA); farmer’s cooperatives and associations; commercial farm operators; local government units (LGUs); and state colleges and universities.

Additional requirements include LGUs’ adoption of harmonized ordinances, implementation and regular updating in the prevention and control of ASF, and the organization of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay; registration of hog farms with LGUs; training on biosecurity measures among farmers, or in the case of commercial farms, owners and staff; and certification that hogs to be insured are in the green (free), light green or pink (buffer) zones.

As to the provision of government premium subsidy, Alamban clarified, that for backyard hog raisers (maximum of 20 heads), subsidy shall be 100% of the premium cost or full premium subsidy, while for the commercial hog raisers, the premium subsidy shall be the rate of the premium cost as may be agreed by DA and PCIC.

He noted, that affected hog raisers will receive a maximum of P10,000 per head for fattener; P14,500 per head for F1 breeder; and a maximum of P34,000 per head for parent/grandparent stock.

The agri official further emphasized, however, that said coverage rates will depend per type of swine, subject to usual prorating assessment according to the growth period when the loss occurred.

“These policies shall apply only to the current situation with regard to ASF infection and shall remain effective until such time that hog industry and the market will have stabilized or solutions or treatment to the disease will have been developed,” Alamban stated.

Hog raisers can apply for insurance at PCIC’s regional office at the 4th Floor, One Montecarlo Building, Corrales-Hayes Sts. (857-2983/0906-892-5746/0948-325-4032) or thru their provincial extension offices at the 2nd Floor, PENLAC Building, National Highway, Valencia City, Bukidnon (0905-744-4417/0948-860-6610/0930-884-0524) and at the Farmer’s Training Center in Bagong Dawis, Baroy, Lanao del Norte (0906-461-7137).

The provincial, city or municipal agriculturist or agricultural technicians in any LGU may also be reached out for assistance, Alamban concluded.

Currently, there are a total of 19 ASF-affected areas in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte, respectively. # (JLO)

DA-NorMin signs a MOA between LVFMC, MMPC and CMU to provide financial grant aid to farmers and entrepreneurs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further provide market development services, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the P4.750 million financial grant to aid farmers and entrepreneurs.

On August 5, 2021, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado signed the MOA with the following beneficiaries: Lantapan Vegetable Farmers and Marketing Cooperative (LVFMC), Lantapan, Bukidnon; Marapange Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC), Kibawe, Bukidnon and Central Mindanao University (CMU), Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

DA’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita is one of the projects of the agency which aims to link farmers directly to the consuming public.

Said initiative assures that farmers get the best prices for their products, while providing quality, safe, nutritious and reasonably priced food to consumers.

Under its Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, LVFMC and Marapange MPC will receive P2 million and P1.25 million grants, respectively, for their hauling vehicles.

On the other hand, CMU will receive P1.5 million worth of grant for the rehabilitation of their Kadiwa Center building, hauling vehicle, working capital and equipment in support to their operations.

LVFMC Marketing Head Joel Terry Rivera shared, that the transportation support will greatly benefit not only their cooperative, but as well as nearby local farmers.

“It will help enhance food safety and delivery efficiency. Through this project, we can also establish good relationship and long-term business partnership with our clienteles,” he added. # (AMBManto)

On August 11, DA-10, COA undertake an online Audit Entrance Conference for the agri dept’s FY 2021 expenditures.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In ensuring government transparency and accountability for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 expenditures, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Commission On Audit (COA) held an online Audit Entrance Conference on August 11, 2021.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized, that said activity is annually conducted to check the department’s disbursement on the projects and program implementations provided to the farmers, local governments and other stakeholders.

“We are committing that we are one in serving our farmers, especially with the new normal caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus cannot stop us from extending our services such as the implementation of the different projects and programs, and even the conduct of our activities,” RED Collado expressed.

COA-10 Acting Audit Team Leader Nashiba L. Macaraob noted, COA is mandated to examine, audit, and settle all accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of funds and property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to the government or any of its subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities.

She cited, that one of the responsibilities of the auditor in the engagement is to impart ideas that can improve the agency’s operations and address control deficiencies identified during the audit.

Also in the presence of regional technical directors of DA-RFO 10 Carmelita T. Bajarla and Carlota S. Madriaga, the group discussed the department’s accounting and financial reporting systems and other important matters.

COA Regional Supervising Auditor Josie J. Rodriguez said, with the guidance of COA Central Office, they have forwarded all necessary memoranda and circulars, which will be helpful in DA’s undertakings.

Also participating the virtual meeting are the banner program and special project coordinators, provincial operations center chiefs of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental of DA-RFO 10.# (EMBentulan)

RMC member-agencies of DA-10 joins the Food Resiliency Task Group virtual meeting on August 9 to accelerate the transformation towards a modern and industrialized Philippine agriculture.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In pursuing the OneDA approach, the Regional Management Committee member agencies of the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 joins the Food Resiliency Task Group virtual meeting on August 9.

“Aimed to capture the initiatives and accomplishments of the respective DA-RMC members is important in ensuring the availability of food supply in Northern Mindanao amid the pandemic,” said DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.

The OneDA approach follows an inclusive method to accelerate the transformation towards a modern and industrialized Philippine agriculture.

RTD Madriaga added, the efforts of the OneDA is part of DA’s mandate to ensure food security.

Meanwhile, the DA-Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) presented its various loan programs to farmers and fisherfolk, including the agri-fishery based micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and marginalized and small farmers and fishers (MSFF) who are greatly affected with the pandemic.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado chaired the Food Resiliency Task Group, comprising the following member agencies: DTI, DSWD, DILG, DBM, DepEd, DOST, DAR, DENR, DOE, TESDA, CDA, CHED, NFA, NIA, NEDA, PLGUs of the five provinces of the region and CLGU Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. #(ATCabig)

Targeted to break ground on August 16, the RPMT of DA-10 convenes on August 9 for a virtual meeting to tackle key concerns to further facilitate the implementation of the smart greenhouses project in R-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the upcoming groudbreaking for the establishment of Korean-funded smart greenhouses in Bukidnon province, the Regional Project Management Team (RPMT) of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) convened on August 9, 2021 via the virtual platform.

Said facility is eyed to break ground on August 16 at one of the agency’s research stations, the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Of which is aimed at helping local farmers in producing high value crops such as potato, cherry tomato and strawberry using smart farming technologies.

Being one of the host implementing agencies, the RPMT of DA-10 laid out and tackled key concerns to further facilitate the execution of the smart greenhouses project in Region 10.

Among them are the arrival of the technical experts from South Korea; site development, including the preparation of the office and living quarters for such personnel; conduct of an orientation cum groundbreaking; and additional cargoes such as reefer truck and may include fertilizers and pesticides to be transported from abroad via Region 6, for the cited collaborative project.

Further, potential farm co-operators, coming from Lantapan town and Malaybalay City, all in Bukidnon were reportedly to have already undertaken a series of trainings in preparation for the Project.

The Philippine government thru DA signed a memorandum of agreement with the Korean government allocating funds to build 11 smart greenhouses with a total contract cost of P70.22 million for a period of four years.

Presiding the meeting is DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, in the presence of heads and representatives from the Research, Operations, Planning, Regulatory, Administrative and Finance, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance and Regional Agricultural and Engineering divisions. # (JLO)

In a virtual forum on July 23, 2021, DA-NorMin along with BAI, insurance and financing institutions bare its windows for assistance to help revive the hog industry affected by ASF. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its Livestock Program is set to implement the Swine Repopulation and Recovery Program in reviving the hog industry after being affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).

In a virtual forum on July 23, 2021, DA in partnership with the Bureau of Animal Industry and other insurance and financing institutions sought to increase awareness of DA’s twin programs: BABay ASF and INSPIRE to strengthen coordination with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders.

Said key programs in combatting the viral hog disease include the Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) which aims to strengthen biosecurity and surveillance of ASF, while the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) seeks to accelerate the repopulation and recovery of the hog industry.

DA Undersecretary for Livestock, Dr. William C. Medrano shared, “We aim to fast track the implementation of these programs to bounce back to the vibrant state of the hog industry since ASF has created a huge damage to pork supply and price in affected areas.”

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that DA thru Secretary William D. Dar is optimistic that the hog industry can recover from the effect of the African Swine Fever, especially in Northern Mindanao.

In an effort to help the hog raisers, DA through the Agricultural Credit and Policy Council (ACPC) is offering zero-interest loans payable in three to five years through its Agri Negosyo “ANYO” loan program.

Meanwhile, the Development Bank of the Philippines provides credit to support the national government’s efforts and the DA’s INSPIRE Program in the recovery and repopulation of the local swine industry through financing of bio-secured farm projects.

The LBP has allocated P15 billion program fund for the SWINE lending program in helping commercial hog raisers sustain their production and operations.

LBP’s program aims to help secure the country’s food security, particularly on the supply of pork.

Effective July 1, 2021, ASF indemnification request for depopulated hogs are accommodated under the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s (PCIC) Swine Industry Insurance Program which offers discounted premiums to commercial hog raisers, increased indemnity payment for hog losses and inclusion of culling due to ASF.

Director Collado noted, that the strengthened partnership with the LGUs and the private sector will help in reviving the industry.

“I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the LGUs for the continued partnership and cooperation. May you continue and strengthen your border protection against ASF,” Collado concluded. # (AMBManto)

On July 21, Talara and Enteria take their oath of office to assume their positions in DA-NorMin, before administering officer, RED Collado.

Ailene B. Talara and Angelica Alma B. Enteria officially took oath as Science Research Specialist II and Administrative Assistant III, respectively, before Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on July 21, 2021.

Previously designated as SRS I at DA-Caraga, Talara will be assigned at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) under DA-10’s Research Division.

On the other hand, Enteria, a former contract of service worker, will assume her position under the Office of the Regional Director.

Also witnessing the ceremony are Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, OIC-Administrative and Finance Division Chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse along with the division chiefs and staff. # (AMBManto)

On July 16, DA-NorMin caps its first batch of ASF indemnity assistance distribution to the affected barangays in CdeO.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 637 hog raisers received P10.81 million worth of African Swine Fever (ASF) indemnity from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 as the agency capped the first batch of ASF payout in 17 barangays in Cagayan de Oro City, Friday, July 16.

The DA indemnifies P5,000 for each pig culled on account of the ASF contagion.

Aside from the DA’s payout, the hog raisers also received P2,000 cash assistance from the City Government of CdeO earlier this year.

The indemnity rollout is undertaken in close coordination with the City Agriculture Office, particularly in registering the bonafide hog raisers to DA’s official farmers and fishers’ registry, Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

Validation of the ASF-affected areas and profiling of hog raisers are jointly conducted with the City Veterinary Office.

The DA is optimistic such assistance will help hog raisers to start alternative livelihood as means to recuperate from the ASF infestation, especially since they are temporarily prohibited to raise hogs until their area is cleared for swine repopulation.

Elsira Niebla, a 51-year-old hog raiser from Barangay Tumpagon said the P10,000 indemnity she received out of two pigs culled is helpful enough for a livelihood amid the ensuing COVID-19 pandemic.

[Pasalamat mi sa DA. Bisan tuod gikuha ang among baboy, gibayaran mi para makabangon mi sa among panginabuhian. Akong gamiton kini nga hinabang para mag.negosyo sama sa pagpangompra sa lubi og saging.]

“We are very grateful of DA. Although our pigs were culled, we were paid so that we can go on with our livelihood. I am planning to use the assistance in trading coconut and banana,” Niebla averred, saying that she will be raising pigs again once they are permitted.

The first two ASF cases in CdeO City were reported in barangays San Simon and Mambuaya and this was confirmed on February 8 this year, following the issuance of confirmatory laboratory test result by DA-10.

Thereafter, the cases ballooned, affecting 17 barangays in the city and resulted to depopulation of a total 3,783 hogs, as of date.

“We are concerned that our hog raisers’ livelihood was compromised, but we have to do what is best to protect the region’s hog industry,” said DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado.

“As for now, we will be implementing recovery programs that would help our hog raisers, especially the backyard raisers, to gain their livelihood. Part of the program is strict implementation of the Bantay ASF sa Barangay and the rollout of Swine Insurance Program of the Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp.,” Director Collado furthered.

Currently the DA-10 is processing the second batch indemnity worth P6,650,000 for the 1,330 culled hogs of 306 hog raisers in the city. It is eyed that the fund will be ready for release within the third quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, Director Collado is calling out the support of the region’s hog industry stakeholders to beef up the DA’s campaign to contain the ASF infestation in the region.

“To contain and manage the spread of ASF requires immediate and coordinated action,” he stressed.

“And so we are calling for the continued support and active participation of the hog raisers, the private sector and the local governments in the implementation of DA’s projects and programs to revitalize Northern Mindanao’s hog industry,” Director Collado concluded.# (ATalib)

DA-10 and Ketkai’s collab for ‘Farm to Market’ showcase aims to provide access to fresh agri-produce at reasonable prices. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -To provide access to fresh agricultural produce at reasonable prices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) partnered with Limketkai Center as they open the ‘Farm to Market’ on July 15, 2021.

On the conceptualization of the event, Remy Lou Hojas-Along, lease marketing officer, shared “In celebration of Nutrition Month this July, we decided to collaborate with DA-10 to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products to mallgoers straight from the farmers themselves. This is also our help to farmers for them to gain a market despite this pandemic.”

Spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-10, the agency tapped exhibitors such as the Miarayon Highland Farmers Association, Farmgrown Association of Claveria, Manzano Farm and CNQ Organic Supplements.

Other exhibitors also include Mommy Sha Tablea, Jangkoy Marketing, Herbs & More by Urban Greens, Bukidnon Milk Company – CDO and RTB Variety Store.

Minda L. Agbo of MIHFA expressed her gratitude for being invited to the agricultural showcase, “We thank DA-10 and Limketkai for this initiative as it helped us gain an outlet for our products; thereby creating more livelihood opportunities for our members of the association.”

Said trade fair will run from July 15- 31, 2021 at the Limketkai Center Rotunda. # (AMBManto)