The agri dept in NorMin convenes with DAR, BFAR, ATI and TESDA to look into where the agency can provide agri-assistance to identified ARBs in R-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture 10 convened the DAR, BFAR, ATI and TESDA on Friday, March 19 in response to presidential Directive  No. 2021-012 or the awarding of remaining land titles and provisions of assistance to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).

Said government agencies will assess the beneficiaries given with certificate of land ownership award (CLOA) to determine what interventions or assistance will be provided to them.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said, DA has been directed to provide agricultural assistance to identified ARBs in Northern Mindanao.

She added, those who were awarded with land titles, specifically those in conflict affected areas will be the department’s official reference in the provision of agri-related interventions to the bonafide ARBs.

However, the beneficiaries need to be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) for availment of any agri-fishery projects and other assistance

She emphasized, the effort is in support to Executive Order 70 (EO 70) or whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of insurgencies.# (JCAnito)

The agri dept in NorMin thru its Regional Soils Laboratory spearheads an online training on proper sampling of inorganic fertilizers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To ensure the quality and grades of procured fertilizers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted an online training on proper sampling of inorganic fertilizers.

Participating in the webinar were the banner program coordinators and representatives from DA-10 operating untis, including the Accounting Section, research, regulatory and integrated laboratory divisions.

Spearheaded by DA-RFO 10 Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL) of the Integrated Laboratory Division, the training focused on the standards set by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) thru Fertilizer Regulations Division Chief Julieta B. Lansangan, as basis for leveling off with DA-RFO 10’s specifications of farm inputs procurement.

FPA regulates and controls quality of the different grades of fertilizer; and sets new minimum percentage of Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium (NPK), and other macro/micronutrients that are present.

FPA-Region 10 Manager Ma. Sonia C. Calleja illustrated the appropriate number of bags to be collected for every corresponding total number of bagged fertilizers.

She underscored precautionary measures in the gathering of samples, among others in avoiding the collection of samples from damaged or torn bags and from hard or lumpy fertilizer.

Said samples, as she further explained can cause inconsistency in the laboratory test results due to its impurities.

DA-RFO 10 RSL Section Chief Engr. Elena C. Susaya, who is also a member of the department’s Bids and Awards Committee-Technical Working Group (BAC-TWG) said, that the training is necessary since DA procures volumes of farm input for its different banner programs.

“All fertilizer procurements of DA undergo series of sample tests and analysis, from post-qualification until its final delivery. BAC-TWG has to be equipped thoroughly to ensure the proper gathering of samples from various points of the bagged fertilizer, which will be brought to the laboratory,” Engr. Susaya shared. # (EMBentulan)

A CSO named as ab2cd, Inc. receives vegetable seeds assistance from DA-NorMin intended for the farming communities in the hinterland areas.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the aim of reaching farming communities in the hinterland areas, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over packets of vegetable seeds to the Alternative Bridge to Community Development (ab2cd, Inc.), a civil society organization on March 18, 2021 at the agency compound.

A total of 520 packets, worth P67,000 of 5-in-1 Sinigang vegetable seeds (Kangkong, Okra, Pole Sitao, Tomato and Radish) was handed by DA-10 High Value Crops Development (HVCDP) Program Focal Person Kersten S. Pagalan to ab2cd, Inc. thru Chairperson Bernardo R. Roa, IV.

He expressed, their organization is thankful to DA for accommodating their request as they will be sharing it to other beneficiaries.

“This will greatly help those in the hinterlands, especially since they have limited access to resources like these,” he said.

Roa also shared, the vegetable seeds will be distributed to farmers in the hinterland areas of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon while teaching them to engage in value-adding activities for their source of income and livelihood. # (AMBManto)

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) executive Carlene C. Collado met DA-RFO 9 Regional Executive Director Rad Donn L. Cede and staff at the agency compound, here in Cagayan de Oro City.

On Thursday, March 18, the group discussed policy matters on issues affecting the agricultural sector, particularly on hog shipment to Metro Manila to stabilize pork prices, African Swine Fever (ASF) protocols, and the coordination with DA’s attached agencies and local government units concerning rice procurement. # (AMBManto)

R-10’s agri dept hosts the review and finalization of FY 2022 activities and budget proposal of the Mindanao cluster for NLP on March 15-17, 2021 at the agency’s research station, NMACLRC. 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) hosted the review and finalization of FY 2022 activities and budget proposal of the Mindanao cluster for the National Livestock Program (NLP) on March 15-17, 2021.

Held at the agency’s research station, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, said activity was participated in by the island-region cluster members which include regions 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 purposely for the delivery of a more strengthened livestock and poultry development programs and its seamless implementation.

At the helm of being the host region, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado lauded the efforts of the agri regional offices in Mindanao in helping stabilize the food supply and prices in Luzon and Visayas, as the need arises.

A workshop was conducted for projects budget allocation, services and interventions, including the refining of proposals which are overall aligned with NLP’s vision for a meat, egg and milk-secure Philippines anchored on a vibrant, robust and globally competitive livestock and poultry industry and prosperous farmers.

From DA-Central Office, the team was led by NLP Senior Technical and Planning Officer Jonathan V. Sabiniano, DVM. # (JCAnito)

RCI-SRD launches the CADP for the Mt. Balatukan Cluster to provide a framework for its advancement.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To provide framework for the advancement of the Mt. Balatukan cluster, the Regional Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (RCI-SRD) launched the Mt. Balatukan Range Cluster Convergence Area Development Plan (CADP) on March 11, 2021 at Lunotan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

The CI team with the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the lead convenor, together with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) prepared the CADP with an aim to have an improved ecological integrity and prosperity, intensified eco-tourism and agro-forestry development, and strengthened communities within the cluster.

With the development plan, Claveria Mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar expressed her hopes to resolve issues on illegal land conversion with establishments sprouting in their town due to booming tourism.

She also extended her gratitude to the cluster towns who worked for the protection, preservation, and prosperity of the environment of the province.

Meanwhile, DAR Secretary, Atty. John R. Castriciones committed to work hand-in-hand with the local governments and all the other agencies to protect the Balatukan Range.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano is hopeful that the CADP will lead to utilizing the available resources properly which will greatly benefit the people in the province.

“I hope that with the synergy that we are doing, we will be able to advance what our people need and we will be able to protect the future of the next generation as we protect the last frontier which is the Mt. Balatukan. We have to work together if we want to see a better future for Misamis Oriental,” Gov. Emano added.

DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns and the lead convenor of NCI-SRD, Atty. Waldo R. Carpio said, in a message delivered by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the agri department together with the other agencies, is committed to strengthen regional efforts and enable the environment to accelerate the implementation of the Mt. Balatukan Range CADP to achieve its goals.

“The CI emphasizes to end poverty and hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Further, to take action to combat climate change and its impact, and for the conservation and sustainability of our resources aside from its protection and restoration.”

He emphasized, the goal of the RCI can’t be achieved without the support from the LGUs and other stakeholders.

“Together, let us build a stronger platform in helping us in making a progress for the Mt. Balatukan Range cluster,” he concluded.

Constituting the cluster are the towns of Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, Claveria, Kinoguitan, Lagonglong, Magsaysay, Medina, Salay, Sugboncogon, Talisayan and Gingoog City, all from the province of Misamis Oriental. # (CSeraspe)

In support to EO 70, the agri dept in NorMin turns over prod’n and marketing assistance amounting to more than P3.4-M to FRs in Bukidnon. 

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – In support to the whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 turned over production and marketing assistance worth over P3.4 million to former rebels in Bukidnon.

On Thursday, March 4, DA NorMin distributed over 900 packets of assorted vegetable seeds (P117,000) in three variants: pinakbet, chopsuey, and sinigang, and 520 mushroom fruiting bags (P31,200).

The agency signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy for the P2 million financial grant under DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain program.

Similarly, a certificate of allocation worth P1.3 million was also handed to the 403rd Infantry Brigade (IB) to provide training, logistics and agricultural equipment for Adlay production and marketing in support to former rebels.

“DA’s assistance will greatly help farmers, especially those in far-flung barangays. These interventions would greatly help in boosting their production and increasing their income; thereby also improving their standard of living,” shared 403rd IB Commander BGEN Ferdinand T Barandon, PA.

It can be recalled that an Adlay ceremonial harvest was held in December, last year at the Peacemaker Farm of the 403rd IB, Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon which is maintained by former rebels.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, OIC-Chief Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Larry E. Paraluman stated, said initiative aims to bring the government closer to the people.

He also encouraged participants to send in their letter of intent for their proposed livelihood projects. Participating were around 900 beneficiaries from the towns of Maramag, Kibawe, Damulog, Kitaotao, Quezon, Manolo Fortich, Lantapan, Pangantucan and Malaybalay City.

Apart from DA, the Office of Senator Lawrence T. Go and other government agencies such as the Philippine Army, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority also provided their respective interventions to participants. # (AMBManto)

The gov’t eyes to foment the agri-sector in MisOr with the P47-M worth of agri-machineries, equipment and other interventions to FCAs, LGUs and an academic institution.

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in Northern Mindanao entrusted over P47 million worth of agri-machineries, equipment and other interventions to farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and local government units (LGUs) of Misamis Oriental.

Leading the turnover ceremony was DA-Regional Field Office 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Engr. Ian D. Madjus of DA-PhilMech, of which project grants were then received thru the Provincial LGU of MisOr headed by Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano, FCA presidents, LGU municipal agriculturists, engineers and representatives.

Held at the MisOr Provincial Agriculture Development Complex on March 4, the roster of interventions primarily handed over were packages of farm machineries and equipment, comprising of 6 units four-wheel drive tractor, 2 units hand tractor, 26 units floating tiller, 2 units walk-behind transplanter, 13 units rice reaper, 3 units combine harvester, 22 units rice thresher and 9 units mobile rice mill.

Amounting to P29.46 million sourced from its CY 2019 and 2020 funds, DA-PhilMech distributed the agri-machineries and equipment to five FCAs and three LGUs.

Recipients include the Mandangoa Farmer’s Association, Inc., Talusan Organic FA and KINAMALOMAN Farmer Irrigators Association, Inc. (FIAI) of Balingasag; Kasingpitan Santiago FIAI and Barangay 20 Farmer’s Association of Gingoog City; and LGUs Alubijid, Claveria and Magsaysay.

According to Dir. Collado, said beneficiaries have qualified in the availment of project grants, as they are viable farmer-organizations accredited by DA having at least 50 hectares total rice area, among other technical requirements.

For those FCAs whose aggregate rice farms will not meet said conditions, however, the agri executive pinned his hopes saying: “One option is to consolidate, and we can ask DA-PhilMech to provide [the package of farm machineries and equipment] through the province, para ang probinsya na mismo ang magsisilbing service provider for other farm-organizations not accredited or qualified under the attached agency’s criteria.”

“Within the six year-duration, we are assured that lahat ng mga rice farmer mabigyan ng rice assistance,” RED Collado added.

The cited period refers to the implementation of the P10 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund portfolio, ushered by the Rice Tariffication Law from 2019-2024.

Accorded with an annual budget of P5 billion, rice mechanization is aimed at improving farmers’ income, yield and ability to compete globally through the access and use of appropriate mechanization technologies from planting to postharvest.

Based on DA-PhilMech data, farmer-beneficiaries can expect to reduce their cost of rice production by P2-3 per kilogram and minimize postharvest losses by 3-5%.

“Ituring ninyo na kayo ang nagmamay-ari [ng mga makinaryang pansaka] dahil bigay yan ng gobyerno sa inyo thru President Duterte. Sa tulong na naibigay na sa inyo, umaasa kami na maging matagumpay kayo sa pamamahala nito nang sa gayun ay kumita kayo at dagdag ninyong mabibili ang mga kagamitang pansaka na gusto ninyo,” the director appealed.

Corroborating the aggie department head’s statement, MisOr Provincial Governor Emano said: “Napaka importante na may pondo kayo sa kooperatiba [o asosasyon] ninyo nang sa gayun meron kayong magagamit para sa pagpapaayos [sa mga kagamitang pansaka].”

On behalf of the benefitting FCAs, Arnel M. Continedo, KINAMALOMAN FIAI president, expressed his message of gratitude for the government’s assistance from the municipal, provincial up to the regional agri offices, including DA-PhilMech.

“Malaki ang maitutulong nito na mabawasan ang aming gastusin [sa pagtatrabaho] sa aming palayan at gawa nito, madadagdagan pa ang aming kita. Ipapagamit din namin ito sa iba pang mga magsasaka [maliban sa mga miyembro ng asosasyon] nga hindi kalakihan ang bayarin nang sa gayun ay matulungan din namin sila.”

Completing the list of assistance to foment agri-development in MisOr, DA-10 has likewise poured out various interventions amounting to P18 million to 19 LGUs, 5 farmer-groups and 1 academic institution. # (JLO/Photo credits: JCAnito)

The aggie dept in R-10 delivers 53 heads of upgraded cattle to Sugbongcogon, MisOr thru its CFFP of DA-Nat’l. Livestock Program. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) delivered 53 heads of upgraded cattle to the local government unit (LGU) of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental to increase its local beef production in contributing to beef accessibility and affordability.

Said delivery on March 2, is part of the total 100 heads amounting to P5 million  under the Cattle Feedlot Fattening Project (CFFP) of DA-National Livestock Program, which is funded under the Bayanihan Act II.

Of the total amount, P3.5 million is the allocation for the cattle and P100k is for the drugs and biologics.

The remaining P1.4 million will be fund transferred to LGU Sugbongcogon for the procurement of cattle feeds and other miscellaneous expenses.

For sustainability of the project, DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado encouraged the Municipal Agriculture’s Office of Sugbongcogon to adopt the dispersal program scheme, wherein the recipients will pass on the heifer offspring (female cattle) to other potential farmer-beneficiaries in said town.

According to Maria Lourdes M. Sypiecco, Livestock Program coordinator of DA-RFO 10 said, “CFFP intensifies cattle feedlot farming among smallhold farmers, maximizing the use of abundant farm by-products in the rural areas.”

Large ruminants were distributed among select farmers listed under the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) from barangays Ampianga (14 heads), Kidampas (16), Kaulayanan (20) and Mimbuahan (3).

MAO Johnny G. Sumaylo of Sugbongcogon shared, the town has over 1,000 RSBSA listed farmers. With the cattle dispersal program, more farmers will be given an opportunity to raise cattle as a livelihood  both for beef and dairy production and to serve as draft animals.

One of the first batch of recipients of Brgy. Kaulayanan is Cristina E. Aragua, a member of Barangay Kaulayanan Sugbongcogon Farmer’s Association, who also acts as the chair of the Kaulayanan women’s group.

“Dako kining ikadugang sa income ang gihataga nga baka sa DA. Pinaagi niini, akong matabangan ang akong mga apo sa paghuman sa pag-eskwela. Ako kining alimahan og maayo aron mas daghan pa ang makabenepisyo niini,” she imparted.

[DA’s cattle dispersal program can augment my income. With this, I can also help my grandchildren go to school. I will properly take care the provided cattle, so that more farmers can benefit from it.]

Aside from Sugbongcogon, three other towns from the provinces of Bukidnon (Kibawe) and Misamis Occidental (Lopez Jaena and Baliangao) have received the partial deliveries of cattle under CFFP last February, of this year.# (EMBentulan)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aiming to update the local governments on the services of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), the agency hosted an online training to further educate its extension arms in the different provinces of Northern Mindanao.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research and Regulations, Carmelita T. Bajarla remarked, the activity is necessary to equip LGU frontliners in disseminating modern ways of soil sampling at the grassroots level.

“It is favorable to study the soil fertility status of farmlands to determine the fertilizer requirement of the crops planted. With this, farmers will know the right kind and amount of nutrients that plants need. Ultimately, they can reap gains thru higher yield from their produce,” RTD Bajarla added.

The training highlighted on soil sampling techniques thru DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Senior Agriculturist Noemi M. Pascual, in that, about a kilogram of soil will serve as a representative of a large area.

Pascual taught them the proper method of getting soil samples, according to the type of crops planted by farmers.

For shallow rooted crops like vegetables, soil sample must be taken 0-12 inches below from the surface; while for deep rooted crops like fruit trees, soil sample must be taken 0-20 inches below, where plants’ roots are able to absorb enough nutrients from the soil.

Said activity also versed the participants on the processes of Soil Test Kits (STKs) and Trichoderma harzianum production.

The STK is a complete package of soil testing for the analysis of soil acidity, and Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium content.

It comes in a small handy bag that contains chemical reagents, procedure and color charts; tables of recommendation for various crops; and procedure for proper soil sampling technique.

On the other hand, Trichoderma is a compost fungus activator that is used for rapid composting of organic materials.

Its entire production covers two weeks from media preparation up to its mature state for distribution.

Meanwhile, the department’s RSL Chief Engr. Elena C. Susaya detailed the services offered by DA-10 such as soil analysis (with fertilizer recommendation), fertilizer analysis, refill and production of STK and Trichoderma production and distribution can also be availed for free, provided that they have an endorsement from their respective LGUs while walk-in clients may avail at a minimal fee.

Also attending the online training was DA-RFO 10 Integrated Laboratory Division Chief Ma. Teresa B. Roa, where she extended her gratitude to the participating LGUs for joining said activity and continuously supporting and helping the agri department to reach out the farmers, especially in the far flung communities.# (EMBentulan)