DA-10 through RED Collado manifests his support to the proposed assessment of the comms strategy for ASF in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Consistent with its recent efforts to curb disease-caused swine mortality in some areas in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) commits to support a proposed assessment of the communications strategy for African Swine Fever in Northern Mindanao.

Through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 will be coordinating with the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) National ASF Prevention and Control Program (NASFPCP), supported by the United Nations – Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) for the conduct of a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey in Misamis Oriental.

Said KAP survey will involve stakeholders, including meat vendors, hog raisers and concerned farmers’ associations, viajeros, as well as ASF coordinators and focal personnel from the DA, Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinary Office, and the city veterinary offices of Cagayan de Oro and El Salvador.

Discussions to be covered during the said activity include current policies and activities spearheaded by local stakeholders to communicate key information about the disease.

During the recent courtesy visit to RED Collado, UN-FAO Regional ASF Advocacy and Communications Specialist Domingo Caro III, PhD, said the undertaking seeks to evaluate the regional implementation of the National ASF Communications Strategy and determine whether it has met its communication objectives.

“Primarily, we seek to know more about how the previous communications strategy for ASF was implemented [in region 10]. The information we will be able to collect from this would be the baseline for a refined communication strategy for ASF,” Caro said.

RED Collado expressed his support for the activity, citing its implications on improving public awareness of the disease, thereby fostering a more proactive stance against ASF in Northern Mindanao.

DA-10, through its Regulatory Division, will assist in facilitating the KAP survey with the city veterinary offices of Cagayan de Oro (April 16 to 17) and El Salvador (April 18).

Also present during the meeting were DA-10 Regulatory Division Veterinarian III Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM; BAI-NASFPCP Regional Field Coordinator Wilgen Khen Marie Palma, DVM, Information Officer Flordeliz Samonte; and staff from the BAI and UN-FAO.# (GDA)

DA-10 through RED Collado reaffirms support for MILDUBKAAC’s production of abaca.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) reaffirms its commitment to support smallholder farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in the region, consistent with its thrust to boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and increase the income of farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao.

On April 16 at the agency compound, the Mindanao Lumad Dumagat Beterano Para sa Kalamboan Agriculture Cooperative (MILDUBKAAC) paid a courtesy visit to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado to discuss the agency’s programs and projects geared at assisting their cooperative’s production of agricultural commodities.

Retired General Jessie Alvarez, representing MILDUBKAAC, said that they are looking at the production of abaca as its initial crop, which they hope to kickstart with support from the DA.

Having apprised said cooperative of DA’s banner programs and projects, RED Collado reassured the agency’s assistance on the matter and enjoined the cooperative to seek additional technical support from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (DA-PhilFIDA).

He further encouraged MILDUBKAAC to avail of the loan assistance offered by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) for the cooperative’s future expansion.

Duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in September 2023, MILDUBKAAC is based in Sitio Mapait, Danatag, Baungon, Bukidnon and is composed of more than 100 members, including those of the Dumagat tribe and other indigenous peoples groups, retired military and police officers, and civilians.# (GDA)

In talks with DA Asec Albarece, the aggie department is considering Bukidnon province as a model province in the genetic system for goats.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Ruminants, Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM bared on Thursday, April 11 of considering Bukidnon as a model province in the genetic system for goats.

This, he disclosed in a meeting with the Bukidnon Small Ruminants Raisers Association (BSRRA) and local government units of said province to align with the DA’s Breeder Production Pyramid: National Livestock Program in increasing goat production and strengthen the breeding program in Northern Mindanao.

He also presented the genetic improvement of goats including the strategies of DA in attaining such a plan and the need to boost DA-10’s Malaybalay Stock Farm in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City in Bukidnon for the production of quality goat semen.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conveyed support, saying that DA-10 will extend efforts for the implementation of the said project.

He underscored how essential for the livestock industry to flourish in Bukidnon and become a source of breeds not only to other provinces in Northern Mindanao but including other regions.

DA’s Livestock Program will reinforce the establishment of a goat multiplier farm package which includes a goat house, animal stocks, forage chopper, and drugs and biologics.

Northern Mindanao is one of the top three goat producers nationwide with a production of 7,631.24 metric tons in 2021 based on PSA data.

Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque supported said meeting together with its Provincial Veterinary Office, DA attached agencies which include the Philippine Carabao Center, Bureau of Animal Industry and National Dairy Authority.#(ATC/Supplied photos)

Residents and farmers of Brgy. Kulasihan of Lantapan, Bukidnon are eyed to benefit from the newly opened FMR.

LANTAPAN, BUKIDNON – Residents and farmers of Brgy. Kulasihan of Lantapan town in Bukidnon can now enjoy the newly opened Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) turns over the Concreting of Road and Drainage at Purok 3 to Purok 5 FMR on April 15, 2024.

The 6.055 KM subproject, valued at Php 93,635,000.00, is funded by the Additional Financing 2 and the European Union (AF2-EU). It will benefit 1,341 households, including 1,244 farmers engaged in cultivating vegetables, bananas, rubber, and other basic commodities.

Leading the turnover ceremony, Regional Executive Director and RPCO 10 Project Director, Carlene C. Collado, congratulated the Local Government Unit of Lantapan for completing the implementation of the SP.

“It is not easy to apply for a PRDP SP, since we follow a standard wherein the priority is quality. This is the second PRDP subproject to be turned over in this municipality,” Dir. Collado said.

Dir. Collado also challenged and urged the LGU to create a resolution for the proper maintenance and regulation for the concreted road.

“After we turn over this to you, the next challenge is to maintain the quality of the road. Make sure to see that the vehicles coming in and out of the area will not be damaging to the road,” he added.

Lantapan Municipal Mayor, Ernie R. Devibar is ecstatic about this feat.

“This FMR will bring a lot of opportunities into Kulasihan. I remember how difficult the state of the Barangay was, and look at where we are at now. All of these wouldn’t be possible without your efforts.”

Mayor Devibar also responds to RD Collado’s challenge in maintaining the road, saying, “We will call for a meeting and create a Memorandum of Agreement stipulating the care and maintenance of the quality and sustainability of this project.”

The FMR turnover marks the final SP to be completed for the municipality.

Their IREAP subproject, namely the Fermented Dried Cacao Beans Processing & Marketing, worth PHP 2.7 M, is also situated in Brgy. Kulasihan, has been enjoyed by the Bugcaon Kulasihan Manupali Irrigators’ Association, Inc.(BUKUMA) since February 2022. #

DA-PRDP 10 holds a scoping session for the updating of the swine value chain analysis.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To update the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) of the swine industry in Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) through the IPLAN Component spearheaded an online Scoping Session and Inception Meeting for the commodity on April 12.

The session encompassed discussions on the production, trading, and processing of marketable hogs for fresh, chilled, and frozen pork cuts.

It also addressed the challenges and opportunities within the industry, along with proposing suitable initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth.

Further, it answers the concept of input supply, production procedures, post-production activities, processing techniques, distribution channels, and marketing strategies.

To help gather input for the VCA updating, the RPCO was joined by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Mis.Or, Bukidnon, Camiguin and Iligan City, together with the National Veterinary Quarantine Services 10 (NVQS 10), the National Meat Inspection Service 10 (NMIS 10) and the Planning Officers from RPCO 9,11,12,13, BARMM and PSO Mindanao.

The representatives from DA-RFO 10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), Integrated Laboratory Division (ILD), Research, Regulatory, and the Livestock Program help with the updates of the swine industry.

As of June 2023, the country’s total swine inventory was estimated at 10.07 million heads and Mindanao has contributed 34.7% of the total swine production.

The consolidation of the data from the discussion and analysis will be presented during the Mindanao-Wide Stakeholders Consultation during the second semester of this year. #

DA-10 holds a Kadiwa at Diskwento Caravan in time for the Filipino Food Month celebration.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In celebration of the Filipino Food Month (FFM), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-10 (DTI-10) initiates a Kadiwa at Diskwento Caravan on April 15-16, at the agency compound, in this city.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 469 signed in 2018, the FFM is observed annually every month of April.

This year’s celebration centers on the theme, ‘Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago’ which aims to preserve the culinary culture and food sustainability.

According to DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, the activity is a joint effort of the DA and DTI to link farmers and producers to consumers and promote locally grown produce by offering goods at discounted prices.

He said such effort is consistent with the DA’s effort to attaining food security in the region.

Six exhibitors took part in the activity namely, the Tagpuangi Fisherfolks Association (TAGFA), Miarayon Farmer’s Association, Highland Fresh, Prism Soda Rice, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), and MC Coffee, who sell their fresh agricultural commodities and quality processed goods at reasonable prices.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca together with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) led the opening of Kadiwa and Diskwento Caravan, highlighting the importance of patronizing local farmers and fishers’ products.# (MPMT)

DA-10 and Nestle Philippines, Inc. eye to jointly laud the invaluable contributions of coffee farmers in Mindanao.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) is set to stage a formal recognition of the region’s coffee farmers and their invaluable contributions to the development of the coffee industry in Mindanao.

In a courtesy call to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on April 15 at the agency compound, Nestlé Philippines, Inc. through Government and Industry Affairs Executive Donnel Jun M. Tiedra bared its plans to partner with the DA to conduct a stakeholders event that showcases coffee farmers, as well as their coffee production processes that employ Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and regenerative farming methods.

The event will draw partners from the national and local government, as well as prominent farmer-leaders and producers of coffee in Mindanao who share in the success of the growing coffee production and industry in the region and the country.

Tiedra further said that the event is also an opportunity for partners in the government and private sector to revisit the salient points of Senate Bill No. 321, otherwise known as the Coffee Development Act of 2016, which aims to advance an industry-wide development of coffee in the Philippines through systematic programs geared toward effective coffee production systems, provision of technical assistance and processing technologies, research, and marketing and promotion of coffee for domestic and export markets.

Slated to be conducted in the month of May, the event coincides with the annual celebration of the National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, to which RED Collado said is an opportune time for stakeholders in the public and private sector to reiterate their support for the said key actors in agriculture.

“We want to maximize this event not only by recognizing our coffee farmers in the region, but also by responding to their needs for agricultural inputs, machineries, and equipment. It is exciting that we will conduct this event with the support of the DA through Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., our lawmakers, and partners in the local government,” RED Collado said.

DA-10 through its High Value Crops Development Program led by focal person Kersten S. Pagalan will coordinate with Nestlé Philippines on the necessary preparations for the said event.# (GDA)

DA eyes to boost the goat and cattle production initiatives of Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) will capitalize on expansive and inclusive goat and cattle production programs to boost Northern Mindanao’s agriculture industry.

In a meeting with DA Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro and DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Benjamin C. Albarece on April 8, DA-10 management led by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado crafts improved plans and programs for goat and cattle production in the region.

The DA-10 is set to scale up its research facilities and services at the Malaybalay City Stock Farm, the DA-10’s animal research center, to cater to a wider range of livestock farmers while aptly recording all project information in a database.

To increase quality goat and livestock inventory, the DA-10 will be establishing nucleus farm and multiplier farms by optimally utilizing imported goat and cattle breed procured by the agency.

Similarly, the DA-10 is told to employ harmonized animal disease management strategies to curb unwanted mortalities.

Cognizant of goat and cattle economic potentials, the DA-10 will implement a production program in partnership with the private sector and the Local Government Units.

This is particularly relevant to massively campaign for artificial insemination technology, and getting the backyard raisers onboard the program for comprehensive implementation.

Enabling appropriations will be proposed under the DA Livestock Program to fund the goat and cattle production programs.# (ATT)

Agri-10 imparts Hydroponics technology to social welfare clients.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen urban gardening practices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado holds a Hydroponics Training on April 5, at Bahay Silungan, Barangay Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Around 30 participants, comprising children in street situations, homeless families, out-of-school youth, children in need of special protection, and women who are victims of domestic violence have joined in the said activity.

According to Dir. Collado, the training is beneficial among the clients of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD-10), as it fosters a sense of appreciation for agriculture and discipline, enabling the group to learn and engage in food production while they take refuge in a sheltered home and even as a livelihood option.

DA-10 Field Operations Division Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo discussed the benefits of establishing urban gardens, mainly employing hydroponics, a technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution instead of the conventional soil.

Camaddo demonstrated how hydroponics works and immersed the participants in a hands-on activity, which, he added, augments the Food Always in the Home (FAITH) program of the government, at the same time capacitating individuals to grow vegetables and other crops in limited spaces.

Said event was initiated by the DSWD-10 headed by its Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen and supported by the DA-10 through its High-Value Crops Development Program.#(MPMT/Photos supplied)

DA aims to improve strategies for a stronger livestock sector in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Through a shared interest to strengthen the region’s livestock industry, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado met with DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Benjamin C. Albarece to discuss proposed refinements for the agency’s protocols and strategies geared at supporting local livestock farmers and producers in Northern Mindanao.

Held recently at the agency compound, the meeting drew stakeholders from the private and government sectors, as well as personnel from the agency’s regulatory bodies to tackle existing protocols and documentary requirements for the compliance of livestock farmers and producers who wish to export their livestock, and in particular, swine and pork products.

According to ASec Albarece, the meeting aims to gather inputs and insights on a proposed streamlining of DA regulations and protocols, that is receptive to the concerns and suggestions raised by local farmers and producers.

“These discussions are done in light of adapting to global standards for exporting livestock products. We discern how best we could assist and support the capacities of our local farmers and producers to export said agricultural commodity, especially now with the market becoming more competitive,” the DA official said.

One of the proposed measures to fine-tune said protocols is the conduct of a technical review of the documentary requirements for compliance, to determine which permits and certifications are most necessary and correspond to trade standards for export.

Also discussed in the meeting were strategies to enhance coordination between the DA, the local government units (LGUs), and the private sector for the efficient delivery of services.

“We have invited stakeholders from the local government to ensure our policies are more responsive to the needs of the LGU. The DA is pro-farmer and we hope that, through this cooperation and coordination, we make it easy [for our] farmers, as we navigate rising prices due to inflation,” Albarece said.

Key points and inputs gathered during the meeting will be escalated to the national level for appropriate action.

Expressing his support for the newly appointed assistant secretary, RED Collado reassured the region’s cooperation with the former’s office, to which he pins his hope of achieving more feats in Northern Mindanao under the Livestock program.

Present in support of the meeting were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas, Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, and Integrated Laboratories Division chief Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM.

Also in attendance were DA-Bureau of Animal Industry Regional Veterinarian Dale Franco B. Llentic, DVM, and Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinarian Benjamin S. Resma, DVM, who also serves as the officer-in-charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office.# (GDA)