DA-10 hands over vegetable seeds assistance to DMFI for marginalized communities in Talakag, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, October 11 – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over 50 packets of assorted vegetable seeds to Del Monte Foundation, Inc. (DMFI) at the agency compound.

Lovah Jane Escobido, DMFI supervisor said, that the provision of seeds will be distributed to marginalized communities in Talakag, Bukidnon for them to grow and harvest for their everyday consumption.

As the foundation’s counterpart, they will also provide bags of complete and urea fertilizer for the said undertaking. # (MPMTablon)

Adlay harvest from the Cabanglasan model farm is being processed using a multi-crop thresher.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Set on developing more areas to be planted to sorghum as an alternative grains crop, a Field Day on Sorghum Model Farm implemented by the Cananga-an Forestland Managers Association with Romeo S. Sabayton as farmer-cooperator was held at Purok 1, barangay Cananga-an, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

On October 7, 2021, local farmers, agri-extensionists from the provincial and municipal local governments of Bukidnon, other town residents and officials, have mustered to learn a package of sorghum technology.

Of which comprises ranging from its production, care and maintenance, pest and diseases management, postharvest operations and its marketing aspect, among others.

“Said activity is aimed at increasing production and improving quality of sorghum, which will support the livestock and poultry industry, as sorghum can be utilized as ingredients for animal feeds,” according to Jurrybe J. Lachica, sorghum focal person of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10).

He added that the field day comes as an opportune time with DA Secretary Dar’s issuance earlier this year, citing memorandum order 15 on including sorghum under the agency’s Corn Program.

Per implementing guidelines, ten hectares shall be devoted for the sorghum model farm.

Wherein, the agri department provided farm inputs, while the association counterparted an area as well as shouldered the labor costs to realize said Project, in close coordination with municipal agriculture’s office of Cabanglasan.

For farmers still eyeing to engage in sorghum, Ken Christian Ramos, area operations head of the Agribusiness Department Group of San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SFMI) assured, that the company giant will buy their products come harvest seasons.

Reportedly, SMFI buys sorghum with a year-round price pegged at P14 per kilo [assembler’s price].

“This is our way of extending help to farmers. Instead of relying on imports for the demand of our raw materials intended for feeds, we are here so that by the time you [farmers] harvest, you won’t have any problems in looking for a market for your produce,” he conveyed.

Ramos also noted, for farmers to constantly coordinate with the agriculture’s office, be it at the regional, provincial or municipal levels, or with their assigned technicians in the locality, for them to come up with the corresponding purchase requests and have them approved by their management.

Also ahead of the field day, an assessment and evaluation of the documents of another farmer’s group through the Paradise Multi-Purpose Cooperative was also conducted towards passing the requisites of SMFI in becoming a sorghum assembler.

“For many years of farming, I am very thankful for this opportunity to become one of the partners for the implementation of a sorghum model project, as I believe that learning is a continuous process,” Sabayton shared.

He accounted, that there is still room for improvement in following sorghum farming protocols, but went on to say, that he has seen the potential of such resilient crop that only requires lesser maintenance and asserted in producing it in the coming seasons.

Said establishment of a sorghum model farm in barangay marks as the first adoptors regionwide, with learning hub sites in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental; Clarin, Misamis Occidental; and Bacolod, Lanao del Norte to follow suit. # (JLO)

The P4.5-M trading post in Magsaysay town serves as venue for farmers where they can earn decent income while buyers can enjoy quality agri-fishery products at affordable prices.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the goal of providing a venue where farmers can earn decent incomes and buyers can command quality agri-fishery products at reasonable prices, the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10) turned over the P4.5 million trading post to the Local Government Unit of Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental on October 7, 2021.

Located at barangay Kibungsod, the agri department turned over the project to the local government, which was then accepted by Ediver Joy D. Buyan, president of Mindulao Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative whose members include farmers of coconut, cassava, and corn, among others.

Magsaysay Vice Mayor Charlie B. Buhisan expressed his gratitude for the newly turned over facility, which is also seen to minimize trading layers; thereby, helping farmers save on transportation and logistics costs.

“The trading post is anchored in our agricultural development plan because Magsaysay is a very strategic location. With the presence of this newly turned over trading post, buyers and sellers from the different regions can directly go here instead of going to other areas which are farther from their farms,” shared Magsaysay Mayor Rey B. Buhisan.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga who represented DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, lauded the LGU for their efforts in implementing said facility.

“Under Bayanihan II, we were given a deadline in implementing the project. However, the LGU was able to construct and finish the trading post, so a huge congratulations to the people behind the success of this project. Indeed, LGU Magsaysay deserves assistance like this [trading post] with the efforts they put in and with all of the bountiful resources the municipality offers.”

Said facility is funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program which is funded under Bayanihan II. # (CRSeraspe)

On October 6, DA-10 spearheads an infocar on micro agri-kabuhayan for OFWs help desk.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) can now access the “One-Stop-Information Center” through the Micro Agri-Kabuhayan Para sa Balikayan Program help desk of the Department of Agriculture.

In Northern Mindanao, DA in partnership with DOLE, OWWA, and some DA attached agencies, conducted the first virtual information caravan on the said program on October 6.

The help desk was installed in all regional offices to serve as a “one-stop-shop-information center” for the target clients who will be inquiring on agribusiness development services of DA through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Said activity is an avenue for concerned government agencies, bureaus, and corporations such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), and DA’s attached offices – Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to present its programs and services intended for OFWs.

Through the program, OFWs will be capacitated with training and seminars to equip them with knowledge and skills in running their chosen businesses.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, that the agency’s program and projects address food security, with the hope that the OFWs will invest in agriculture, especially that Northern Mindanao is envisioned to become the leading industrial training center in the country.

Interested applicants, may fill out the required forms using the link: https://www.facebook.com/…/permalink/4039076142877248/.# (MPMTablon)

DA-10 signs a MOA with academic institutions for the Swine Multiplier Farm Enterprise program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY –In support to the Swine Repopulation and Recovery Program after some parts of the region was hit by African Swine Fever (ASF), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with two academic institutions signed a Memorandum of Agreement for its Swine Multiplier Farm Enterprise Program.

DA-10, Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado with Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga and Central Mindanao University (CMU) President Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije signed a MOA on the said project at the DA conference room.

Each academic institution will receive P1 million worth of multiplier farm project, comprising the following components: breeder boar (1 head), breeder gilt (10 heads), feeds (135 bags), various drugs and biologics (5,952 doses), pig pen (1 unit) and feed mixer (1 unit).

“It is very timely because it is the Livestock and Poultry Month and this will be a venue for the students from the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine as they go along with their academic endeavor. On behalf of CMU, we thank DA for this kind of support,” the CMU president noted.

He added that the project will inspire everyone, especially the university management, to be of great help in the future as a source of breeding materials for the development of the livestock industry in the whole province of Bukidnon and in Region 10, as well.

Apart from CMU, the Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSC) in Tangub, will also benefit from the project.# (AMBManto)

DA USec Evangelista together with DA-10 headed by RED Collado leads the turnover of the P14-M reg’l. food terminal in Talakag, Buk’non.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Agriculture Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs Kristine Y. Evangelista led the turnover of the regional food terminal to the local government of Talakag, Bukidnon on Friday, October 8.

Located in the heart of the highland vegetable production area of barangay Miarayon, the P14 million facility will serve as a trading post for farmers, cooperatives, and associations for improved agricultural and fishery production.

“We saw the need to capacitate our farmers to be able to increase their income, to sell their produce to a better market and at a better price. We’ve analyzed the whole value chain and looked at what interventions can be done,” said USec Evangelista.

The food terminal provides direct participation of buyers and sellers and reduces the participation of middlemen.

It also offers fresh, affordable and quality farm produce, with state-of-the-art, with cold storage and refrigerated van.

It is seen to increase local employment and income opportunities to strengthen public-private partnerships aside from offering stable food prices for institutional buyers, traders, and consumers.

The facility will complement the vegetable, fruits, and other high-value crops production areas of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte, including other regions with the presence of a good road network.

In August of this year, DA-10 through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado provided the LGU with a refrigerated van amounting to P4.28 million as a component of the facility which could reduce postharvest losses in the delivery of the farmers’ produce.

Talakag Mayor Vergito O. Factura conveyed, “the government will always support us but we need to exert efforts and participate by continue planting high value crops especially with the presence of the food terminal.”

Talakag is one of the municipalities of the province of Bukidnon which is considered as a vegetable basket of Northern Mindanao.

It has been producing high value crops like carrots, white potato, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and coffee with a potential production area of more or less 11,000 hectares.

Assisting USec Evangelista were DA-10 RED Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Larry Paraluman, Provincial Agriculture Officer Engr. Alson Quimba and local officials.#(ATCabig)

DA-10 RED Collado urges the youth to engage in agri-related undertakings during a youth camp spearheaded by ATI-RTC X and 4-H club.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department here in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado urged the youth of today to engage in agriculture during the Rising of the Young Farmers Era: Regional Youth Camp earlier today, October 5, 2021.

Spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X in partnership with the region’s 4-H Club, said affair features the sharing of innovations and best practices of young successful agripreneurs.

Via the virtual platform, RED Collado emphasized that agriculture constitutes the foundation of food security and the youths are the future of food security.

He reinforced on encouraging the youth to undertake any agri-related endeavors by promoting the different farming technologies and other forms of assistance that the government can offer, especially thru the Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agribusiness (MAYA) and the Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) programs.

MAYA is an internship program that aims to develop youth into agripreneurs while KAYA provides financing assistance to the youth.

“The agriculture sector needs committed and passionate millennial to advocate for the development of the agriculture sector of the country,” he said.

“Careers in agriculture and forestry make up one of the largest industries and sources of long-term employment in the country, providing jobs for millions of Filipinos. These careers supply us with a multitude of food products and alternative energies, among other important resources for sustaining our country and contributing to the world’s economy,” the agri chief remarked.

Said three-day youth camp will highlight the role of the youth in agri development, kicking it off with a capability building of the 4-H club officers and members.

The 4-H club comprises the youth who are single, ages from 15 to 30 years old, where membership is open and voluntary underscoring the involvement in community-based projects in agriculture and homemaking. # (JCAnito)

TAGFA receives the P1-M financial aid under DA’s enhanced Kadiwa program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed at empowering more farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives and associations (FCAs) to become more reliable food commodity suppliers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office turned over a P1 million financial grant to the Tagpuangi Fisherfolks Association (TAGFA) of barangay Agusan, this city.

On October 8, DA Undersecretary for Consumer and Political Affairs, Kristine Y. Evangelista together with DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, handed over the check to TAGFA President, Lilian L. Antigua.

Funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain program, the assistance is intended for the purchase of the association’s utility van worth P690,000, machineries, and equipment (P210,000), and P100,000 as working capital.

Antigua conveyed, that said aid is of great support in expanding their market and in generating additional income for the association.

CdeO City Councilor and Agriculture Committee Chair Jay Roa Pascual said, that the local government is thankful for the agency’s assistance in alleviating the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in boosting their farming and fishing activities, especially on the marketing aspect which results in more productive livelihoods and sustainable associations.

Meanwhile, Brgy. Agusan Chairman Andrew E. Melliza shared, “In the past, the association struggled on its logistics and transportation, but with this assistance [financial grant] provided by the department, it could help them improve the quality of their agri-fishery products, allowing them to earn more income.”

Apart from farmers and fisherfolk reaping gains, consumers are also eyed to have greater access to fresh and affordable agri-fishery products and other basic commodities through the enhanced Kadiwa program. # (JCAnito)

DA-NorMin extends aid to marginalized communities in Buk’non province

National government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao provided aid to the marginalized communities in Bukidnon province as part of the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) convergence program.

Among the assistance provided by DA is the provision of 250 packets of vegetable seeds and 100 kilograms of organic fertilizers amounting to P196,500 per benefiting site.

Recipients include the towns of Kibawe, Damulog, Kadingilan and Dangcagan, and Valencia City all in Bukidnon, which said agri support was conferred from October 4 to 7.# (JLO/Photos Supplied)

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and Central Mindanao University (CMU) President Dr. Jesus Antonio G. Derije, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for new agricultural undertakings on October 6, 2021. #