The conduct of a corn derby in DA’s research centers kick off at NMACLRC, Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To showcase the different varieties and technologies of hybrid corn seeds available in the local market, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a Corn Derby in the research centers.

The activity kicked off with a ceremonial planting on October 25 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay, City, Bukidnon which aims to test the different corn package of technologies (POT) for corn farmers to adopt in their respective areas.

Participating seven seed companies include: Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc. (H101G, Hi FLY and BC 108), Asian Hybrid Seed Technologies, Inc. (Supreme 5150 and J505), Corteva Agriscience Inc. (P4124YHR and 3660YHR), Evogene (EVO709 and EVO9989), Green and Grow Technologies (X5), Bayer Crop Science, Inc. (DK 8899S, 8131S and 8719S), and Syngenta Philippines, Inc. (NK306BGT).

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that the results of the derby will be one of the basis for the seed procurement through its Corn Program.

Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that, the results of the derby will be one of the basis for location specific recommendations in the different agro ecological zones.

Production technologies from land preparation to harvesting were thoroughly discussed and agreed upon for implementation.

All farm operations to be conducted by the respective companies will be properly recorded and they will also submit their production technologies for transparency.

While the DA research centers will conduct a research-managed demo of all the varietal entries in order to have a basis of comparison.

The activity will also be conducted at DA-10’s upland and hillyland research centers in Barongcot, Dangcagan, Bukidnon and Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, respectively.# (EMBentulan)

DA-10 commits to plant the non-GMO corn variety of IsaacSeed in its research stations to help them showcase its performance.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, October 22 – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) commits to conduct on-station trials for non-Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) corn produced by IsaacSeed Philippines, Inc.

This after the company sought help from DA-10 to showcase its adaptability in different agro-climatic conditions, especially in Bukidnon, a major corn-producing province.

Said effort is geared towards the common goal of increasing the harvest and income of farmers.

IsaacSeed team led by Wyden King bared, that they will provide the said variety of corn seeds to interested farmers covering 400 hectares.

Reportedly, such variety has a potential yield of 12 metric tons per hectare with drought-resistant and water lodging tolerant features.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga stressed, that the three research centers committed to establish a techno demo of this variety by the first week of November, this year.

She added this will be an opportune time for the three-year ran company, aimed at having their non-GMO corn variety be registered with the National Seed Industry Council, and importantly, pave more options for farmers who prefer to produce non-GMO corn.

Bukidnon Assistant Provincial Agriculturist, Jacqueline Lagamon pointed out, that the supply of non-GMO corn seeds is congruent to the province’s planting program, where they distribute fertilizers to farmers targeted for distribution early next year.

In the meantime with IsaacSeed’s readiness to provide the seed variety, Lagamon assured, that they will coordinate with farmers who are willing to plant non-GMO corn this cropping season.

The company is set to share its planting protocols to be employed by DA-10’s research centers, and another round of meetings is set to implement the activity in full swing. # (JLO)

The establishment of a sorghum model farm regionwide is one among the initiatives of DA-10 in partnership with LGUs and farmer-cooperators, to promote its production and marketing  as alternative raw materials for feeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Showcasing the potential of sorghum as an alternative crop for income, a Field Day on Sorghum Technology Demonstration Farm was held at barangay Imelda, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

On October 19, farmers, agricultural extensionists from the different local governments (LGUs) of Misamis Oriental, municipal residents and officials, explore the cultural management practices and production technologies of the crop, including its utilization and current demand in the market, for replication in their respective farms and localities.

“Through the techno demo, we can determine the adoption of sorghum in your location given the appropriate package of technology,” Jurrybe J. Lachica, DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) sorghum focal person remarked.

While the department has started reintroducing sorghum since 2018, he added, that the crop is given a boost earlier this year through Secretary Dar’s memorandum order 15, as part of the commodities under DA’s Corn program.

Further noting, that for the year 2022, the agency through its Livestock program has set aside P2 million for seeds alone, as sorghum is mainly seen as a substitute raw ingredient for animal feeds, on top of the P100,000 allotted by the Corn Program.

Following implementing guidelines, ten hectares is required for the establishment of a sorghum model farm.

On one hand, DA-10 grants project implementers such as seeds, fertilizers, and technical expertise, with assistance from partner LGUs.

On the other hand, cooperators counterpart for labor and area.

Urging others to engage in the cultivation of sorghum, Dannie Baldado, an area coordinator from San Miguel Foods, Inc. bared, that their company is in need of sorghum.

“Besides imports, SMFI is willing to buy the produce of our local farmers, as a way of also extending help to them being among the company’s patrons for our food products,” he said.

Offering his one-hectare rented land as the town’s pilot site, Danilo Buntag of the Villanueva Corn and Cassava Association, Inc. served as the farmer-cooperator for the sorghum model project.

“I am thankful that I’ve volunteered to grow sorghum in my area after being introduced to such crop through DA’s training. As I have witnessed first-hand its potential as a resilient crop, which requires lesser maintenance and with an assured market, I encourage others to also engage in sorghum production in their respective areas, to help expand the development of the crop,” he accounted.

Out from the activity, projected yield is reportedly eyed at 5 tons, and at a farmgate price pegged at P10.50 per kilo for sorghum grains, farmers can generate a net income of P21,215 with total expenses amounting to P31,285.00.

This coming November, another field day is slated within MisOr province, with the learning site at barangay Hinaplanan, Claveria. # (JLO)

DA-NorMin convenes with representatives from rice seed companies on October 22 for the implementation of a 50-hectare hybrid rice techno farm at CMU, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and its Rice Program met with different rice seed companies on Friday, October 22.

Said meeting was conducted to plan for the next planting season for the 50-hectare hybrid rice techno demo farm at the Central Mindanao University in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

DA-10 Rice Program Coordinator Chona H. Nacalaban said that the initiative is intended to boost rice productivity in attaining sufficiency.# (AMBManto)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture -10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Benjamin Resma led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P2.5 million Liquid Nitrogen Generating Plant building in Misamis Oriental, on Thursday, October 21.

Dir. Collado said that Misamis Oriental is the first province in Northern Mindanao to receive the said intervention.

“The LNP will boost the livestock industry of the province, benefiting livestock raisers in upgrading their stocks,” Collado added.

The project is in support of the DA Livestock Program’s Genetic Improvement Program, in which the Unified National Artificial Insemination program (UNAIP) is one of the major concerns.

Ma. Lourdes M. Sypiecco, DA-10 Livestock Program Coordinator shared, “The establishment of the project is in response to the need of a constant availability of liquid nitrogen as one of the logistical components of successful AI programs.”

Sypiecco added that the UNAIP was conceptualized to provide better opportunities for livestock farming communities by enhancing productivity and competitiveness through institutionalized AI delivery systems.

“Common issues that arise from regular program monitoring and reviews are the availability of Liquid Nitrogen for proper storing and transporting of semen,” said Sypiecco.

Dr. Resma said that the project will be a big help for the whole of Region 10 especially for the genetic improvement of the animals.

“Now, we will have our own liquid Nitrogen plant in the province. We hope it will be helpful to the farmers for the improvement of the livestock,” Resma concluded. #(ATCabig)

DA-10 allocates P14-M for the agri-development of Tangub City, MisOcc.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao has allocated P14 million worth of agri interventions to Tangub City to boost its agri development.

DA Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs Kristine Y. Evangelista in her recent visit to Tangub City, bared the agri interventions for the city government and the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology.

Of the total P14 million, the P3.3 million is allocated for the said SUC which includes the P1 million establishment of swine multiplier farm, P2 million establishment of trading post under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, and P300K worth of feed mixer.

The P10.76 million allocation for Tangub City is intended for the Cacao Community-based development enterprise worth P8 million and Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance amounting to P2.06 million which will benefit 412 rice farmers.

Other agri inputs comprised the cacao seedlings, lowland vegetable seeds, hybrid yellow corn seeds, and pruner shear.

USec. Evangelista said, “DA 10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado takes care in ensuring that the stakeholders will be given what they need, and what they can get and operate.”# (ATCabig)

DA’s 4Ks and MIADP teams conduct a community orientation in preparation for the full implementation of MIADP, which helps organized farmers in ancestral domains.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The national team of the DA-Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program and the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) conducted a community orientation in preparation for its full implementation in selected ancestral domains in Northern Mindanao.

The team aims to verify the socioeconomic status of the ancestral domains of sitio Impahanong, Brgy. San Luis, Malitbog and sitio Kibuwa, Brgy. Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

The DA-MIADP is a World Bank-funded project which aims to sustainably increase agricultural productivity, resiliency, and access to markets and services of organized farmer and fisherfolk groups in said ancestral domains.

The team is headed by the national program director Ervannie Jay P. Belarmino, with the support of DA-10, through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, who represented Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

The convergence efforts of the different government agencies include the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), concerned LGUs, Armed Forces of the Philippines, academe, DA attached agencies: PhilFIDA, BFAR, ATI; and TESDA. # (EMBentulan)

CdeO hinterland hog raisers receive ASF indemnification from DA-NorMin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) released P1.635 million indemnification to African Swine Fever (ASF) affected hog raisers from the hinterland barangays of Taglimao, Tuburan and Tagpangi.

On October 21 at the Taglimao Covered Court, a total of 70 farmers with 327 heads of culled hogs were compensated following the depopulation measures imposed by the agri department to curb the spread of the hog viral disease.

In an interview, Annie P. Abragan of barangay Taglimao, who had the most culled hogs in the batch conveyed, “I understand the government’s efforts in preventing the spread of ASF which is for everybody’s welfare.”

She added, that the amount she received will serve as a startup to engage in small business.

DA indemnifies hog raisers at P5,000 for every culled hog on the account of the ASF.

Capping the week’s payout, 443 farmers received their cash assistance amounting to P9.730 million for their 1,946 culled hogs since DA-10’s distribution on October 19. # (RDMElloren)

DA-10 distributes test kits to strengthen biosecurity measures against ASF.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen biosecurity measures against African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over P7.49 million worth of cPCR test kits on Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

A total of 119 test kits at P63,000 each, were given to the provincial local government units of Misamis Oriental (35), Bukidnon (24) and to DA-10’s Regulatory Division (60).

After which, a demonstration was done to capacitate personnel on the usage of said equipment.

“We are thankful to DA for the test kits that we have received. This will greatly help our surveillance efforts, especially that the province is aiming towards returning to being a ‘green [ASF-free] zone’,” shared Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinarian Benjamin S. Resma.

Leading the turnover of said kits are DA-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla.

Dir. Collado noted, that apart from reinforcing its biosecurity measures, the agency continues to implement its programs and services to mitigate the effect of ASF such as offering alternative livelihood projects and the distribution of ASF indemnification to the affected hog raisers. # (AMBManto)

In line with the IP month celebration nationwide, DA-10 SAAD provides farm inputs to MINTIGMAMATA, an IP association of barangay Iglusad, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) Month, the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (DA-SAAD) turned over more than P120,000 worth of farm inputs to the Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalug Tribe Association (MINTIGMAMATA) on October 14, 2021.

MINTIGMAMATA, an IP association of barangay Iglusad, San Fernando, Bukidnon, represented by their president, Datu Martin P. Daguloan, received 120 bags of organic fertilizer (P76,680.00) and 300 packets of vegetable seeds (P43,500.00) at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Said provision is also in support of the department’s thrust to increase productivity and reduce poverty among the marginalized sectors in agriculture and fishery.

The effort is in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda, considering that barangay Ilusad of said municipality has been identified as one of the conflict vulnerable areas of the region by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) identified area.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the turnover ceremony and assisted by DA-SAAD 10 Focal Person, Lana May S. Racines, and Field Operations Division Chief, Audy G. Maagad along with consultant Atty. Albert Lagamon. # (CRSeraspe)