Agri-10 hosts Financial Accountability Reports workshop

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through its Administrative and Finance Division hosted the 4th Quarter Financial Accountability Reports (FARs) Workshop from January 14 to 17, here.

Attended mostly by the Budget and Accounting personnel from the DA regional field offices (RFOs) and bureaus nationwide, including from the DA-Central Office (CO), the activity is led by the DA through the Budget Division – Financial Management Service.

It aims to ensure a bolstered communication and collaboration between the different operating units and the DA-CO in the preparation, reconciliation and consolidation of accurate and timely FARs with guidance on issuances, updates and other mandatory requirements by oversight agencies.

Pursuant to Republic Act 11975 FY 2024 General Appropriations Act, submission of financial and physical accountability reports is directed to departments and bureaus under the national government, including the DA, enjoying fiscal autonomy.

Further, COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2019-1 dated January 1, 2019 provides the guidelines relative to budget and FARs and the corresponding submission timelines for reports.

Said bases warrant for public funds to be used more efficiently and financial operations to be transparent, accountable and in line with legal standards.

Speaking before a hundred participants, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan commended the DA’s finance team on their roles in the implementation of DA programs, projects and interventions, and also urged them to strike a balance between their regulatory and development functions.

Likewise, he noted that the department should be cognizant of developmental accounting, providing numbers as a reflection of the development aspect of the agriculture sector.

“I hope this workshop will help provide information for the decision-makers – the [DA] regional directors, the secretary, to see what really is going on with the projects that we have been financing in the last 12 months.” Dir. Pacamalan remarked.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, pushed for the workshop to be considered as an avenue to share and replicate laudable budget and accounting practices among the DA attached agencies, bureaus, corporations and RFOs.

The FARs workshop further aims to provide the DA management a clear picture of the department’s financial performance to make informed decisions in mobilizing resource-driven agricultural programs, projects and services at the ground level.# (ATT/JLO)

AMIA-10 village to benefit from combine harvester

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON – Aiming to boost local production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turns over a combine harvester worth Php 2.2 million on January 13, 2025, at the Municipal Grounds, this town.

The agri-intervention is funded under its Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) program, which aims to support farmers in adopting modern equipment and technologies to improve sustainability amidst the challenge of climate change.

In a turnover ceremony, Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative headed by its chair Dante M. Dosayco received the certificate of turnover from AMIA-10 Project Leader Joel J. Gabo in the presence of Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr., Municipal Agriculturist Gemma G. Cania and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Dosayco shared that the initiative will significantly reduce their harvesting time while also increasing their income.

“For years, we have toiled under the weight of manual labor, harvesting our corn crops with our bare hands. This was a time-consuming and physically demanding process, often leading to lower yields and increased production costs. The arrival of this combine harvester is a game-changer,” he added.

The coop chair also assured that they will be maximizing the said machinery not only for the benefit of its members but also share it to their locality.

Bliss Lingion MPC has a total land area of 210 hectares with its farmers planting corn and cassava and a potential expansion of service to non-members. # (AMBM, Photo Credit: LGU Manolo)

Kadiwa Farmers’ Market reopens in CdeO, boosting access to quality, affordable agri-fishery products

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In its aim to provide affordable, quality, and accessible agri-fishery products to consumers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, led the reopening of the Kadiwa Farmers’ Market on January 10 at the Robinsons Limketkai Center, here.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) and in partnership with Robinsons, some ten local farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are given the venue to market their fresh produce directly to the public.

Participating exhibitors include the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, Fisherfolks of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture Cooperative, Homegrown Marketing Cooperative, Miarayon Talakag Highland Farmers Association, Manzano Farm, CNQ Farm, CdeO Integrated Farm, NM Foods, Agay-ayan MPC, and Chill and Grind.

The said Kadiwa Farmers’ Market is one of the region’s Kadiwa Pop-up Stores, a marketplace that began in 2020 and is managed by an identified consolidator or supplier to sell locally diverse agri-fishery products at prices lower than those in the general market.

As this initiative continues to strive in its goal to strengthen food security, empower local communities, and enhance the consumer experience, the Pop-up store has been transferred to a much more secure and larger space within the mall to meet both the comfort of the increasing number of exhibitors and the growing consumer base.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 4K boosts prod’n, livestock support to aid IPs

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) continues to boost the support for the indigenous peoples (IPs) in Bukidnon province through the delivery of agricultural programs and services.

On January 9, the agency through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program on Thursday here, turned over the PhP480k-worth of carabaos to Impasugong town-based IP groups: Ananaso Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association (APFA) of Sitio Ananaso of Brgy. Dumalaguing, and Kapunongan sa mga Mag-uuma sa Ulayanon (KAMAU) of Sitio Ulayanon of Brgy. Kalabugao.

Each received 6 head of carabaos (5 female, 1 male), which were withdrawn by the IP farmer-beneficiaries from the DA-10’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex.

Under its Production and Livelihood Component, the department through its 4K program eyes to create more jobs and sustain agricultural development in the said localities with the package of assistance.# (JLO/Photos supplied)

DA-10 grants PhP5-M KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance to LGU San Fernando

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aiming to boost agricultural development and support to domestic and export-oriented agricultural enterprises, the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Fernando, Bukidnon for the establishment of KADIWA Trading Post Enterprise on December 20, at the agency compound, here.

Through DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), LGU San Fernando is set to receive PhP5-million (M) financial assistance under the FY 2024 KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program as the project’s primary proponent.

As project counterpart, the LGU San Fernando will provide an equity of at least twenty percent of the total project cost and adhere to the Implementing Guidelines and Procedures on Financial Grant Assistance as stipulated in DA Memorandum Circular No. 22, series of 2023.

DA’s Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program supports farmers, fisherfolk, and LGUs with financial aid to enhance food distribution, improve supply reliability, and sustain Kadiwa operations in high-demand areas.

Further, the soon-to-be-established enterprise will enable local farmers and fisherfolk to sell their products directly to consumers without intermediaries, thus, ensuring higher profits for producers and offering affordable prices for consumers.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, San Fernando Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke, and Municipal Agriculturist Coleen Alva C. Ambos were also present during the MOA signing.# (EJLG)

Hydroponics farming opens doors for young agripreneur in Ozamiz City

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Jury Rey Catapang, one of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin), shared his success story in agripreneurship during an episode of Usapang Agrikultura, aired on January 7 via Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM.

A certified public accountant venturing into hydroponics farming and now owner of OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, he urged farmers and would-be agripreneurs to explore innovative and sustainable farming methods like hydroponics. With the initial plan of going abroad as an accountant, entering into agriculture has changed his mind.

Started self-learning through video tutorials during the pandemic, when hydroponics gained popularity, the aspiring agripreneur then started his 800-square-meter lettuce production farm in 2021, seizing the opportunity to address the local demand for lettuce in his city.

“Hydroponics is ideal for limited spaces and urban areas, because it uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil, unlike traditional farming. And I saw this as an opportune time because Ozamiz City is far from other lettuce producing areas like Bukidnon and Don Victoriano [town],” Catapang said.

“Without delivery, [the city] doesn’t have access to fresh lettuce. That’s why I decided to venture into hydroponics.”

According to him, 70-80% less water is used compared to the conventional soil-based farming, as the system recycles water. He also mentioned that operational costs are lower due to fewer pests in a greenhouse setup.

“Do thorough research and learn. It’s essential to fully understand what you’re getting into, from planting to growing the crops,” advised Catapang.

He cited that hydroponics requires a clean space with proper air circulation, and protection from direct sunlight and rain, or the use of greenhouses. The young agripreneur furthered that different plants require specific nutrients, and equipment such as pumps, grow trays, and pH meters are essential for ensuring quality harvests.

Now, his farm produces approximately 12k heads of lettuce every month, generating an average income of PhP50k-70k, depending on demand. He supplies his produce to grocery stores, public markets, and restaurants through contract deliveries and also caters to walk-in consumers.

“Start small and do not be swayed [merely] by the potential income. It’s important to make sure of your market before making a big investment,” Catapang pointed out.

As a YFC provincial awardee in Misamis Occidental and an eligible participant for the YFC Upscale program, he shared that joining the YFC has opened him doors to additional funding, exposure, and access to the DA’s support services.

He added that, aside from lettuce, his product offerings include pre-packaged salads and value-added products such as pesto paste made from basil, even having monthly orders from a Bulacan-based café.

Through the agency’s support, he served as one of the exhibitors in the DA Pavilion during the World Bazaar Festival 2024 last December at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. He displayed 72 jars of pesto paste, which were sold out on the second day of the exhibit.

With the DA’s continuous support to the youth to contribute toward agricultural sustainability and food innovation, Catapang, as one example, at just 29 years old, balances his role as an accountant at a private firm while managing his farm – creating employment and providing food for his community.# (BJCE)

DA-10 enhances Commodity Price Monitoring in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aiming to maintain reasonable rice prices in the market, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, convened stakeholders to discuss price monitoring initiatives on January 6 at the agency compound.

Attended by rice importers, members of the city’s Local Price Coordinating Council, and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry-10, the activity centered on key discussions on the importers’ participation in the Kadiwa Rice-for-All program of the DA-10.

Through this program, rice is sold at prices ranging from PhP36 to PhP45 per kilo at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosk in Cogon Market, which eyes to encourage the general market to offer selling their rice at lower prices.

Likewise, Executive Order No. 62 was highlighted during the meeting, as the issuance modifies import duty rates for various commodities, including a reduction in rice tariff rates from 35% to 15% for imported rice as it aims to ensure affordability for consumers.

To enhance monitoring efforts, the reactivation of the Regional Bantay Presyo Monitoring Team (RBPMT) was agreed upon. The team will strictly oversee commodity prices in the market, focusing not only on rice but on all major agricultural and fishery products to ensure fair pricing and accessibility for consumers.

The RBPMT is initially established by the agency in 2018 under Special Order No. 271, directing the conduct of regular price and supply monitoring of agricultural commodities across the supply chain, from farms to public and private markets.

DA-10 still plans to continue discussions on price monitoring initiatives to ensure their effective implementation across the region.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 inks MOA with Plaridel MLGU for KADIWA Trading Post Enterprise

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental for the establishment of KADIWA Trading Post Enterprise on Friday, December 20, at the agency’s compound in this City.

Spearheaded by the DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the agreement provides a PhP5-million (M) financial grant under the FY 2024 KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program, to enhance the distribution of agricultural products by directly connecting farmers and fisherfolk to consumers, creating new markets for small producers, and ensuring affordable access to agri-fishery products and basic goods.

The MLGU Plaridel shall adhere to the implementing guidelines and procedures for the grant of the financial assistance and provide twenty percent equity of the total project cost as its counterpart.

Under said program, the DA continues to provide financial grant to participating eligible Farmers and Fisherfolk Cooperatives/Associations (FCAs), Community-Based Organizations, State Universities and Colleges (SUC), and Local Government Units (LGU) to enhance their capacities in value-adding activities in the food supply chain from aggregation, processing, packing, storing, warehousing, transport to distribution.

Also present during the MOA signing are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Plaridel Vice Mayor Niete O. Gornez, and Municipal Agriculturist Virginia C. Namocatcat.# (EJLG)

DA-10 braces local agri sector as ‘economic driver’ in 2025

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) remains committed to advance and support the interests of the region’s agriculture sector through its various programs and projects for the year 2025.

In an episode of Usapang Agrikultura aired on January 6 via Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to support local farmers, in accordance with the policy thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

“Our mandate remains unchanged, and our efforts remain grounded on fulfilling our country’s need for food security and sufficiency, particularly concerning staple foods such as rice, corn, and other crops,” Pacamalan said.

“Among the marching orders of President Marcos is to transform [the agriculture sector] as a local economic driver. We achieve this by directing our efforts to develop the region’s leading agricultural commodities, particularly coconut which remains a widely produced crop in Northern Mindanao,” the director added.

Relative to said crop, RED Pacamalan expressed that DA-10 eyes the establishment of coconut processing plants in the region’s five provinces, in an effort to spur competitive prices for said commodity, thereby driving local economy, particularly in major coconut-producing towns and barangays.

Cognizant of its promising market opportunities, the NorMin agri dep’t also reassured its support for the production and marketing of coffee, cacao, bamboo, and high-value crops for food and industrial purposes, through its existing banner programs and interventions.

“We are instructed by our Secretary to develop a coffee production area of at least 1,000 hectares in Northern Mindanao, as a response to the growing volume of coffee we import. Currently, about 80% of coffee in the Philippines is imported, and we see that investing in local coffee production will reduce that figure by 10 percent,” Pacamalan said.

Innovating on current practices to better support local farmers, the agri chief exec said that the DA-10, in collaboration with the Provincial and Municipal agriculture offices here, has pioneered a digitized agriculture information system in region 10 during the past six months, through which the agency has been able to generate and monitor agri production data pertinent to the provision of appropriate production, post-harvest, and marketing support.

Pacamalan emphasized that the agency aims to take on a more ‘proactive’ approach in dealing with periods of oversupply by making use of data generated from the digitized system, which also informs the strategic provision of cold storage facilities in high-production areas.

“The primary goal of our digitization efforts is for us to be prepared during the harvest season, especially when there is more produce than previously anticipated. We establish cold storage facilities in areas that were able to produce large volumes, to make sure it is properly stored,” Pacamalan said.

“In fact, we have nine cold storage facilities to be turned over in region 10, which further ensures our capacity to respond to oversupply in the harvest season, and prevent spoilage while we await for optimal market conditions to sell,” the director added.

Building on its major strides during the previous year, DA-10 is also set to continue its provision of farm machinery to local farmers, geared at increasing the country’s mechanization rate; as well as seeds, planting materials, and fertilizers, thereby scaling up the production of the region’s top agricultural crops while reducing costs in production.

In closing, RED Pacamalan urged the continued collaboration between the national and local governments, the private sector, and all sector stakeholders, citing the present administration’s strengthened resolve to intensify convergent efforts in achieving food security, increasing income, and realizing an inclusive agricultural and fisheries sector for the region and the country.# (GDA)

Agri NorMin provides affordable rice options thru “Rice-for-All” program

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a bid to ensure access to affordable rice, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) monitors the KADIWA ng Pangulo “Rice-for-All” program in Cogon Market, here, on January 3.

In collaboration with importers and local dealers, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, shared that the initiative seeks to provide quality rice at a reasonable cost.

Under the “Rice-for-All” program, rice is being sold from Php 36-45 per kilo at the KADIWA ng Pangulo kiosk in Cogon Market, which is generally lower than the prevailing market prices.

Additionally, the team also conducted price monitoring at the city’s Carmen Market to gather data on prices of different rice varieties. #(AMBM)